Who is at risk?

The Social Services and Well-Being (Wales) Act 2014 states that an "adult at risk", is an adult who:

• is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect,
• has needs for care and support (whether or not the authority is meeting any of those needs), and
• as a result of those needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

This definition may include a person who:

• has learning disabilities;
• has mental health problems, including dementia;
• is an older person with support/care needs;
• is physically frail or has a chronic illness;
• has a physical or sensory disability;
• misuses drugs or alcohol;
• has an autistic spectrum disorder.

A person's vulnerability will depend on his/her circumstances. There are many predisposing factors which may increase the likelihood of abuse occurring.

Some factors may increase vulnerability to abuse:

• Social isolation - those who are abused usually have fewer social contacts than those who are not abused.
• The person has an illness such as dementia which may affect his or her intellect, memory or physical functions and cause unpredictable psychological or physical behaviour.
• The person is compliant and may not know that they are being abused or exploited, eg, some people with learning disabilities.
• The person has communication difficulties as a result of hearing, visual or speech difficulties. They cannot disclose verbally.
• The person will not be believed if they disclose.
• The person has behavioural problems or major changes in personality which result in repetitive behaviour, wandering or aggression.
• The person demands or needs a level of care beyond the capacity of the carer.

If you have concerns about an adult at risk, you can report an adult at risk here.