It is known that older people and persons with disability can become vulnerable to abuse, even in settings which are intended to be places of care, safety and support. The HSE Safeguarding Policy and Procedures builds on and incorporates Responding to Allegations of Elder Abuse: HSE Elder Abuse Policy. Ultimately safeguarding is about protection from abuse.

Effective safeguarding requires a person centred model of care in a collaborative way with shared responsibility between all stakeholders. The autonomy of the individual must be respected as much as possible

• The HSE policy document for statutory and non‐statutory service providers is part of the Social Care Division’s commitment to promoting the welfare of vulnerable persons and safeguarding them from abuse. It seeks to uphold the rights of vulnerable persons to live full and meaningful lives in safe and supportive environments and to ensure the full expression and promotion of people’s rights and responsibilities.
• All adults have the right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse. All persons are entitled to this right, regardless of their circumstances. It is the responsibility of all service providers, statutory and non‐statutory, to ensure that, service users are treated with respect and dignity, have their welfare promoted and receive support in an environment in which every effort is made to promote welfare and to prevent abuse.

All adults have the right to be safe and to live a life free from abuse. All persons are entitled to this right, regardless of their circumstances. It is the responsibility of all service providers, statutory and non‐statutory, to ensure that, service users are treated with respect and dignity, have their welfare promoted and receive support in an environment in which every effort is made to promote welfare and to prevent abuse.

• All services must have a publicly declared ‘No Tolerance’ approach to any form of abuse and must promote a culture which supports this ethos. All policies and procedures must promote welfare, reflect inclusion and transparency in the provision of services, and promote a culture of safeguarding.

• The term “disability” for the purposes of this policy applies to persons who have physical, intellectual or sensory impairments which, in interaction with various barriers, may hinder their full and effective participation in society on an equal basis with others.

Organisational Responsibilities include the following:

• Recognising Abuse
• Early Detection
• Barriers to disclosure
• Capacity
• Complaints
• Anonymous and historical complaints

How is abuse detected?

• Direct observation of an incident of abuse.
•  Disclosure by a vulnerable person.
•  Disclosure by a relative/friend of the vulnerable person.
•  Observation of signs or symptoms of abuse.
•  Reported anonymously.
• Come to the attention as a complaint through the HSE or agency/organisation complaints process.

Why people are reluctant to 'tell' or report abuse

 Fear on the part of the service user of having to leave their home or service as a result of disclosing abuse.

A lack of awareness that what they are experiencing is abuse.

A lack of clarity as to whom they should talk.

Lack of capacity to understand and report the incident.

 Fear of an alleged abuser.

Ambivalence regarding a person who may be abusive.

Limited verbal and other communication skills.

Fear of upsetting relationships.

Shame and/or embarrassment.

Fear no one will believe them.

Previous poor response