Lomond & Argyll Advocacy Service has welcomed the launch of the Scottish Government’s publicity campaign to raise public awareness of the Adult Support and Protection Act, which aims to protect “adults at risk” from being harmed. The Act recognises that some people may find it more difficult to stop harm happening to them. It calls people in this situation “adults at risk”.
The Advocacy Service is working with partner agencies in West Dunbartonshire and Argyll & Bute to promote adult support and protection, and can provide independent advocacy for people who may require support and protection to keep themselves safe from harm.
The Adult Support & Protection Act defines adults at risk as people of 16 and over who:
- are unable to safeguard themselves, their property, their rights or other interests
- are at risk of harm; and
- because they are affected by disability, mental disorder, illness or physical or mental infirmity, are more vulnerable to being harmed than others who are not so affected.
Having a particular condition such as a learning disability or a mental health problem does not automatically mean an adult is at risk. Someone can have a disability and be perfectly able to look after themselves. For an adult to be at risk, all three parts of the definition must be met.
Are you being harmed?
If you are unable to protect yourself from being harmed it is important to tell someone.
Everyone has a right to be safe.
Do you know of someone who is being harmed?
If you think you know someone who is being harmed, or is at risk of being harmed you must tell someone. Remember the person being harmed may not be able to report it.
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