Protection of Vulnerable Adults (POVA) &
Referrals
Abuse may be an isolated event or a series of incidents. It may
take place in the person's own home, in day or residential centres,
or in clinics and hospitals.
It is not always the case that adults are able to protect and
care for themselves. Some adults are particularly vulnerable to
abuse and having their basic human rights routinely disregarded.
For instance, experience suggests up to 5% of people over 65 and
10% of those with learning difficulties suffer some form of abuse
or neglect; for some people, abuse is an everyday experience.
The South Wales Adult Protection Forum (SWAP) is made up of
local authorities, police, health groups, voluntary and independent
sectors and members of the public. They work together to challenge
and combat abuse and promote the rights of vulnerable adults.
There are many forms of abuse including:
- Physical
- Psychological or emotional
- Sexual
- Financial
- Inappropriate care
- Neglect and failure to act
It is everyone's responsibility to play a part in the protection
of vulnerable adults.
If you witness abuse, or just suspect that abuse is taking
place, you must act without delay*. If you feel a criminal act has
or may have taken place, you should contact the police
immediately.
Adult Protection Guidance
(English PDF 360KB),
(Welsh PDF 80KB),
Further information (SWAPFORUM)
Visit our pages on the left to find out more information on
Adult Protection Training, Information for staff and the public,
AAPC and our Contact Details.