Abuse and Vulnerabilities self-learning

Warning: This resource contains content that some learners may find upsetting.

Abuse and Vulnerabilities

Self-learning resource

start

What's included?

Welcome to this safeguarding self-learning resource on abuse and vulnerabilities. You can complete it in one go or dip in and out. On your first visit, use the hand icon to navigate through the content. The full learning takes around 25–30 minutes. If you're revisiting, use the buttons below to jump to specific sections.

Dementia & complex needs

The Care Act & adults at risk

Safeguarding

Increased vulnerability

What is abuse?

Impact and support

Tap the hand on the right to get started...

Navigation

Navigating this resource

This resource is designed to test your knowledge as you go, with questions and tailored information based on your answers. For the best experience, we recommend using a desktop device, though it also works on mobile. This resource is compatible with screen reader technology. Sensitive content: If you find any material upsetting or triggering, please speak with your manager or a member of the People Team.

Introduction

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

As housing staff, you're often the eyes and ears of the organisation. This gives you a unique opportunity to notice when something doesn’t feel quite right. That’s why safeguarding is such a fundamental part of your role: it means protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation, or harm.

Click on the buttons to find out more...

Safeguarding involves...

Who does it apply to?...

The Care Act 2014...

...and adults at risk.

start

The Care Act 2014

1/8

Let's start with something fundamental...Which of the following is the key piece of legislation that outlines the duty to safeguard adults at risk in England?

The Mental Capacity Act 2005

The Equality Act 2010

The Care Act 2014

The Human Rights Act 1998

The Care Act 2014

Correct!

The Care Act 2014 is the primary legislation that places a duty on local authorities to safeguard adults. Under the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a duty to safeguard adults who: • Have care and support needs, • Are at risk of abuse or neglect, and • Are unable to protect themselves because of those needs. These individuals are often referred to as adults at risk — and you’re likely to meet them in your day-to-day work.

Adults at risk

2/8

So, what is an adult at risk? From the options given below, which ONE is not considered an 'at risk' category under the Care Act 2014?

People with physical disabilities

People with dementia

People with learning disabilities

People with mental health conditions

People living in social housing

People misusing drugs or alcohol

An older person with an associated illness

People with sensory impairments

Adult at risk

Correct!

While some adults at risk may live in social housing, the housing status alone does not determine risk under the Care Act. An adult at risk might be someone who is older and frail, someone living with a disability, or someone whose mental health or capacity affects their ability to make safe decisions. It could also be someone who is isolated, struggling with addiction, or caring for someone else. Sometimes, the risk is visible — but often, it’s not. If you'd like to learn more, Click on the button for a full list of adults considered at risk, otherwise press the hand...

Adults at risk

Next

Adults at risk

Noticing signs and changes in behaviour

Whether you're speaking to a customer in person, over the phone, or even by email, you might be the only professional they regularly connect with. That means you’re in a unique position to notice changes in behaviour, tone, or circumstances — signs that something might not be right.

Dementia and complex needs...

...understanding Dementia and the additional challenges people may be facing.

start

Dementia & complex needs

Understanding Dementia and Complex Needs

Among the many vulnerabilities adults may face, dementia presents unique and complex challenges that significantly increase a person's risk and need for tailored support. Continue to the next page where we'll see if you can answer a question around dementia...

Understanding Dementia and Complex Needs

Dementia & complex needs

3/8

Which of the following statements about dementia is true? Select ONE answer from below:

Dementia is a progressive condition that can affect memory, communication, and the ability to carry out everyday tasks

Dementia is a normal part of ageing and doesn’t require support

Dementia only affects memory and has no impact on daily life

People with dementia are always aware they have the condition

Dementia & complex needs

Correct!

Dementia is not a normal part of ageing. It’s a progressive neurological condition that affects memory, thinking, communication, and daily tasks. It can be caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Vascular dementia, or Lewy body dementia. In its early stages, many people live independently with little or no support — and many continue to live well with dementia for several years.

Dementia & complex needs

Dementia Friends

The Dementia Friends initiative by the Alzheimer’s Society helps people understand dementia and take small but meaningful actions to support those affected. Watch the Dementia Friends video on the left. If you'd like more information, you can explore their resources and become an official Dementia Friend by clicking on the button*:

Dementia Friends

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

*This is an optional step, you’ll need to register with some brief information including your email address.

Dementia & complex needs

Complex needs

When someone has complex needs, it means they may also be dealing with additional challenges. Hover over the + to read some of these:

When multiple needs overlap—individuals can become significantly more vulnerable. This may expose them to neglect or abuse, lead to misunderstanding or stigma, heighten their dependency on others, and create barriers to accessing appropriate care and support.

Increased vulnerability...

...the situations that might make someone more at risk of harm.

start

Increased vulnerability

What might make someone more at risk of harm?

We’ve looked at how dementia and complex needs can affect a person’s ability to stay safe. Now, let’s consider the wider situations that can increase someone’s vulnerability to harm. Adults at risk may live in a range of settings — from sheltered accommodation to independent living, with or without family support. Their care may be provided by relatives, volunteers, or professionals. Understanding the situations that increase vulnerability is essential for safeguarding.

Increased vulnerability

4/8

Which of the following situations is most likely to increase an adult’s vulnerability to harm? Select ONE correct answer:

A person in a supported housing setting with consistent professional care and regular contact with services

A person living independently with access to clear information and regular support from a community network

A person receiving care from a family member in a household facing multiple challenges, including financial stress and substance misuse

A person who attends local activities and has access to safeguarding information and helplines

Increased vulnerability

Correct!

Living in a household with multiple challenges — such as financial stress, substance misuse, or informal care arrangements — can significantly increase vulnerability, especially when the environment is unstable or unsafe. Adults at risk may face harm in various ways, particularly when their ability to stay safe or access support is compromised. Contributing factors include over-dependence on others, inadequate care, limited access to information, complex family dynamics, isolation, and experiences of stigma or anti-social behaviour. Recognising these risks is essential for early intervention and safeguarding.

Increased vulnerability

Reflection exercise

Of the situations that might make someone more at risk of harm (see list on right), reflect on the below questions:

1. Being cared for in a care setting where they are more or less dependent on others
2. Not getting the right amount or the right kind of care that they need
3. Lack of access to information and support
4. Living in a family with multiple problems
5. Isolation and social exclusion
6. Stigma and discrimination
7. Being the focus of anti-social behaviour

What is abuse?...

...including the different categories of abuse

start

What is abuse?

What is abuse?

Recognising the risk factors is essential for safeguarding, as they can often be linked to the types of abuse outlined in the Care Act 2014, we'll look at these next. But first, what is abuse? Let's see if you can put together the Care Act 2014's definition of abuse...

What is abuse?

What is abuse?

5/8

The Care Act 2014 defines abuse as...

Have a go at selecting the blanks then press Send. Move to the next page once you are done:

3/5

Types of abuse

Recognising the different types of abuse

As well as defining abuse, the Act outlines ten specific types of abuse that professionals and the public should be aware of. These categories help identify when someone may be at risk and ensure appropriate action is taken. You are next going to read a series of scenarios and decide what type of abuse may be occurring...

1/10

Types of abuse

Scenario one: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

1.

Physical abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of physical abuse which is defined as the intentional use of force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

1.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

2/10

Types of abuse

Scenario two: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

2.

Emotional and Psychological Abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of emotional or psychological abuse, which involves behaviour that undermines a person’s sense of self-worth, safety, or mental stability. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

2.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

3/10

Types of abuse

Scenario three: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

3.

Sexual abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of sexual abuse. Sexual abuse involves any sexual activity where the adult has not given, or is unable to give, informed consent. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

3.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

4/10

Types of abuse

Scenario four: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

4.

Neglect

The scenario given could be an indication of neglect, which occurs when someone responsible for providing care fails to meet a person’s basic needs. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

4.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

5/10

Types of abuse

Scenario five: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

5.

Self-neglect

The scenario given could be an indication of self-neglect, which occurs when an adult is unable or unwilling to care for their basic needs, putting their health and wellbeing at risk. Effective support involves early intervention, multi-agency collaboration, and careful assessment of mental capacity. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

5.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

6/10

Types of abuse

Scenario six: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

6.

Financial or Material Abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of financial or material abuse, which involves the unauthorised or improper use of an adult’s money, possessions, or property. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

6.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

7/10

Types of abuse

Scenario seven: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

7.

Discriminatory Abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of discriminatory abuse, which involves harmful or unfair treatment based on protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010—such as race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religion. These characteristics are legally protected. In this case, the abuse is racially motivated. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

7.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

8/10

Types of abuse

Scenario eight: What type of abuse might this indicate?

This scenario is adapted but relates to a real case at a Housing Association:

Types of abuse

8.

Organisational abuse

The scenario given is an example of organisational abuse, which refers to situations where the structure, policies, processes, or practices within an organisation result in neglect, poor professional practice, or harm to individuals. Select the video icon to learn more and some of the signs...

Types of abuse

8.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

9/10

Types of abuse

Scenario nine: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

9.

Domestic Abuse

The scenario given could be an indication of domestic abuse, specifically coercive control within a family relationship. Domestic abuse is a serious safeguarding concern, and victims may hide it due to fear, shame, or dependency. Sensitive intervention and support are essential.

We will be covering domestic abuse in more detail within a separate resource.

10/10

Types of abuse

Scenario ten: What type of abuse might this indicate?

Types of abuse

10.

Modern Slavery

The scenario given could be an indication of modern slavery, where an individual is being exploited through coercion and control. Victims of modern slavery may feel unable to escape due to fear, debt, or threats. Housing professionals are often in a unique position to spot concerns that others may not see. Select the video icon to learn some of the signs...

Types of abuse

10.

Unmute for music.

If on a mobile device, press expand to enlarge.

Types of abuse

Types of abuse - in summary

So we’ve explored the ten categories of abuse from the Care Act 2014. These categories are not always clear-cut—multiple types of abuse can occur simultaneously, and signs may overlap.

Understanding the impact...

...of any form of abuse or neglect and knowing how to support victims.

start

Understanding the impact

7/8

Sarah, a 38-year-old woman, has recently fled an abusive relationship. She has been rehoused into one of our properties, with her two children, after being in a refuge for a period of time. Although she is physically safe, Sarah continues to experience several challenges. She suffers from anxiety and panic attacks, avoids social contact, struggles financially, and finds it difficult to trust professionals. Her children are also showing signs of emotional distress.

Understanding the impact

How do you do?

Did you select all five options? — All of the options given are common impacts of abuse or neglect. The effects of abuse can be significant and long-lasting, both during the experience and after someone has left the situation. Remember, both women and men can be victims of abuse, and they may continue to feel the impact long after the abuse has ended.

Understanding the impact

Understanding the impacts

Select or hover over each + to read more...

The impacts recap

Understanding the impacts

The impact on children

In housing, staff may notice the lasting effects of abuse—such as emotional distress, isolation, or difficulty coping. Recognising these impacts helps ensure the right support is offered. Let's now move onto the final section of learning, how to support victims of abuse...

How to support victims

8/8

How to support victims

How did you do?

If you suspect abuse or neglect, ask open, non-leading questions, record observations and disclosures factually, and report concerns through your organisation’s safeguarding procedures (we have a dedicated referral flyer which you'll recieve later in the module). Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, it’s worth raising. Confidentiality cannot be guaranteed in safeguarding situations and as a housing professional, you are not expected to investigate abuse, but you do have a duty to recognise, respond, and report concerns appropriately.

How to support victims

How to support victims

Select each + to read more...

Recognise

Respond

Report

Why this matters in Housing?

End of resource

This has been a heavy and emotional topic. If any of the content has caused you distress, please seek support from your manager or a member of the People Team. You'll also find a link to the wellbeing hub in your toolkit on FUSE.

Learning resource complete

Well done

Thank you for completing this resource on Abuse and Vulnerabilities. Close the window to head back to FUSE.

oops!

This answer is not correct

Why don't you try again?

back

Respond...

If someone discloses abuse or you suspect it, respond with calm and compassion. Listen without judgement and reassure the person that they are being taken seriously. Avoid making promises you can’t keep—especially around confidentiality. Instead, explain that you may need to share the information to help keep them safe. Use open, non-leading questions such as, “Can you tell me more about that?” to encourage them to speak freely.

Recognise...

Stay alert to the signs and indicators of abuse or neglect. These may include unexplained injuries, poor living conditions, or noticeable changes in a person's behaviour. Trust your instincts—if something doesn’t feel right, it’s worth paying attention and considering whether further action is needed.

Safeguarding involves...

• Preventing abuse from occurring wherever possible. • Recognising signs of abuse or neglect. • Responding promptly and proportionately when concerns arise. • Ensuring effective support for those affected. • Working collaboratively with other agencies to ensure a coordinated and person-centred approach.

Report...

You are not expected to investigate abuse, but you do have a duty to report concerns appropriately. Follow our safeguarding procedures, as outlined in the referrals flyer on FUSE. Record any observations or disclosures factually and accurately, and report them through the appropriate referral pathway.

Who does this apply to?

The Bolton at Home Safeguarding Service applies to: • People who live in Bolton at Home properties, and/or • Individuals who receive services provided by Bolton at Home. This means it is not limited to tenants only. Occupants—such as family members, lodgers, or others living in the property—can also be supported if they are at risk or if there are safeguarding concerns. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. While the service focuses on those connected to Bolton at Home, we all have a duty to act if we see or suspect someone is at risk — even outside the organisation. If you witness something concerning in the wider community, it’s important to report it to the appropriate authorities.

The impacts can include...

• Anxiety, depression, or PTSD
• Isolation from others
• Financial struggles due to control or exploitation
• Ongoing fear or emotional dependency
• Distrust in professionals or support systems
• Persistent physical health issues

Why this matters...

Housing staff often enter people’s homes, giving them a unique opportunity to spot signs of abuse or neglect. You may be the only professional contact some tenants have. Your actions can make a real difference—early intervention can prevent further harm and help individuals access the support they need.