Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Vulnerable adult abuse is any action or inaction by a person or caregiver in a position of trust or control that puts the safety, health or well-being of a vulnerable adult at risk.

Forms of Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Vulnerable adult abuse occurs when the vulnerable adult experiences:

• Physical violence
• Emotional and psychological abuse
• Sexual violence
• Conduct or behaviour that controls or dominates the vulnerable adult and causes the vulnerable adult to fear for his/her safety or well-being
• Conduct or behaviour that unreasonably deprives, or threatens to unreasonably deprive, the vulnerable adult of freedom of movement or well-being

Who Can be a Victim of Vulnerable Adult Abuse

The Vulnerable Adults Act (VAA) defines a vulnerable adult as any individual who meets all of the following criteria:

• Is 18 years of age or older, and
• Has a mental or physical infirmity, disability or incapacity and, because of it,
• Is unable to protect themselves from abuse, neglect or self-neglect.

Effects of Vulnerable Adult Abuse

Vulnerable adult abuse can result in serious and permanent physical and psychological damage, and even death.

Other impacts of vulnerable adult abuse may include:

• Problems sleeping
• Lack of appetite
• Social withdrawal
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Low self-esteem
• Lack of trust in others
• Feelings of abandonment
• Anger
• Worsening mental and physical health
• Drug and/or alcohol abuse as a way of coping
• Embarrassment

Break The Silence