Safeguarding Adults and Promoting Independence
P3: Explain factors that may lead to abusive situations

There are several factors that could potentially lead to abusive situations.
Adults most at risk:

There are certain groups of people who appear to be more vulnerable to, or at risk of abuse than others. A vulnerable adult is an individual aged 18or over who may receive community care services because of their disability, age or illness, or are unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation. This can also include older people and people suffering from dementia due to the fact that they are in a confused state.
Because of their defencelessness and vulnerability older people are considerably more at risk to abuse. Other vulnerable adults include people who are susceptible to abuse because of physical difficulties, learning difficulties, or mental illness. Individuals with learning difficulties may be taken advantage of due to their lack of awareness. Individuals who are physically disabled may rely upon help and support from others during day-to-day activities. Due to this reliant lifestyle and dependability of care, they are more susceptible to abuse. Those who have mental health issues require a certain degree of care and support from social workers, psychiatrists, care workers and doctors; this dependability upon others increases the individual’s risk of being harmed and abused.
Individuals in these groups tend to be more accepting of what happens to them, this can be due to the fact that they don’t really understand the situation or because of strong medication they may be taking. Some people in these groups tend to be isolated, with limited social networks and low self-esteem. As a result, they may become dependent on their abusers, or potential abusers for help and services. People being abused often