STOP ABUSE WEEK

It is Stop Abuse Week next week. It's important that the care sector get behind this initiative to help stamp out abuse. Here are some materials to help improve awareness.

• Stop Abuse Awareness pack
• e-mail banner
• word search competition for staff
• word search answers

Here are 10 signs of possible Adult Abuse cited by Bristol Safeguarding team; you can share these with staff.

1. Look out for unexplained bruises and injuries
2. Be alert to subtle changes in behaviour – take note if is someone very subdued, has lost their self-esteem or changes how they act in the presence of a particular person
3. If a person begins to isolate themselves and stops seeing friends and family it may be a sign that something is wrong
4. Any change in appetite and weight loss or gain can be a cause for concern
5. Unexplained signs of distress, tearfulness or anger may signal a problem
6. If someone has possessions go missing, an unexplained lack of money or failure to pay bills this may be a sign of financial abuse
7. Being unclean, unkempt or hungry may signal neglect or self-neglect
8. Discouraging visits from relatives or friends on a regular basis should raise alarm bell
9. Missed appointments – failing to show up at GP appointments or regular meetings could be a cause for concern
10. If someone shows unusual distress at being close to someone, or at receiving personal care, this could be a sign of physical or sexual abuse

Signs of abuse can often be difficult to detect, so it’s important to trust your gut instinct. If in doubt, speak out.