Adults at Risk, Vulnerability & Capacity to Stay Safe
Adults at Risk, Vulnerability & Capacity to Stay Safe
Vulnerability can be permanent, temporary or created by the situation.
An adult may be vulnerable because of disability, illness, age, distress, intoxication, domestic abuse, coercion, medication, communication barriers or being isolated from their support. Avoid labels and focus on what risk exists, what the person wants, what support is available and whether there is an immediate safety concern.
Situational vulnerability+
Someone who is normally independent can become vulnerable after losing friends, becoming intoxicated, experiencing panic, having medication stolen or being stranded without transport.
Coercion and control+
Look for somebody else answering every question, withholding a phone or money, preventing contact with friends, pressuring the person to leave, or monitoring what they say.
Communication and consent+
Speak directly to the person where possible. Use clear language, allow time and involve appropriate support rather than assuming somebody else should decide for them.
Safe onward support+
Use welfare, medical, safeguarding, police, taxi or trusted-contact arrangements available under the venue plan. Do not send a vulnerable person away simply to remove a problem from your area.
An intoxicated person may also be injured, drugged, frightened, separated from friends or at risk of exploitation. Consider the full context.
Knowledge check
A vulnerable adult says the person they arrived with is controlling their phone and will not let them leave alone. What should you do?
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