Supporting and Protecting
Adults who are at Risk of Harm in Highland

The Highland Adult Support and Protection Committee is a multi-agency committee whose responsibility is to raise public awareness of the need to support and protect adults from harm, neglect or abuse.

The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 is designed to ensure that adults are kept safe from harm or abuse. The legislation places a duty upon Local Authorities (Councils), NHS Boards, the Police and others to work together to protect adults at risk of harm. It gives authorities powers to make inquiries and take action when they suspect that an adult may be at risk of physical or psychological harm, neglect or sexual abuse, or being taken advantage of financially.

Acting against harm in Highland

At some point you may see or hear something which indicates that an adult is at risk of harm. Adults can be at risk of harm or abuse in many ways. An adult at risk is defined as a person aged 16 or over who may be unable to protect themselves from someone harming them, or from exploitation or neglect, because of a:

• Disability
• Mental disorder
• Illness, or
• Physical or mental infirmity

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 someone who is being harmed?

If you think you know someone who is being harmed, or at risk of being harmed, you must tell someone. Remember, the person being harmed may not be able to report it.

What can I do?

If you are worried that you or someone you know is being harmed, is suffering from neglect, or is being abused, it is important to tell someone. Everyone has a right to be safe.

The Highland Council, NHS Highland, Northern Constabulary and other agencies are working together to protect adults at risk in Highland. The statutory agencies take all concerns seriously and will inquire and investigate cases where harm is known or suspected.