Supporting and Protecting
Adults who are at Risk of Harm in the Highlands

The Highland Adult Support and Protection Committee is in place to raise public awareness of the need to support and protect adults from harm, neglect or abuse. The Adult Support & 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), the Police, Health and others to work together to protect “adults at risk”. 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 the Highlands

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 Social Work Department is working with Health, Police and other agencies to protect “adults at risk” in the Highlands. The Department takes any concerns seriously and will inquire and investigate cases where harm is known or suspected.

The 24 Hour Emergency number for Social Work is 08457 697284.

For more information contact:

Karin Campbell
Resource Manager
(Adult support & Protection)