Recession poses abuse threat to vulnerable adults

The Guardian reports that the recession is presenting an increased risk of abuse for elderly and disabled people. The warning comes as a survey is published that shows a significant increase in such incidents, with a fifth of local authorities reporting a rise in cases. Other problems highlighted in the survey are marked increases in the demand for welfare advice and for help with drug and alcohol problems. The findings were released by the Association of Directors of Adult Social Services which recently held a debate as part of its spring seminar on what local authorities can do to reduce the impact of the recession on vulnerable people. Their president, John Dixon, comments: ‘These figures are further signs of the human costs associated with economic downturns. We must all be doubly alert to the danger of adult abuse, given that a fifth of the directors in our survey reported increases on safeguarding referrals to their departments.’