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Renfrewshire Community Plan 2008 - 2017 Adult protection: Sexual abuse
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Sexual predators target vulnerable people who can't defend themselves, who can't speak up for themselves or who the attacker thinks won't be believed. Sexual abuse happens to older people, to people with learning disabilities and to people with physical disabilities.
Relatives and carers can find it difficult to accept that a vulnerable adult has been sexually abused. This is because the abuser can be a family member or someone they know and trust. This denial can lead to forensic evidence being lost when people try to make the victim comfortable instead of calling the police.
Relatives and carers can find it difficult to accept that a vulnerable adult has been sexually abused. This is because the abuser can be a family member or someone they know and trust. This denial can lead to forensic evidence being lost when people try to make the victim comfortable instead of calling the police.
Sexual abuse is a crime and should always be treated as a crime.
The first step to recognising that a vulnerable adult has been sexual abused is to recognise that such a thing is possible and does happen.
Often a person's behaviour, even if they have dementia or a serious learning disability, will tell you that something is wrong. Some of the physical signs to watch for are:
- Bruises around the breasts or genital area
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
- Difficulty in walking or standing
- Marked changes in behaviour
- Torn, stained, or bloody underclothing
- A person telling you they have been sexually assaulted or raped.
If you're worried someone is suffering from sexual abuse, call now on 0141 207 7878.
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