Interim Guidelines

• Torn stained bloody clothing.
• Lack of privacy.
• Inappropriate touching, sexua
• innuendo by patient or another.
• Withdrawn un-communicative person.
• Observed or reported feelings of blame and guilt.

The above lists of possible indicators are by no means exhaustive. However, any one indicator in isolation or accompanied by other such indicators should serve to alert you to the possible presence of abuse.

Always remember that you have colleagues who will be able to help with or corroborate your findings. Also check with other agencies (e.g. Social Services) they may also have suspicions.

You have a duty to safeguard all those involved, your assessment should include an assessment of risk to yourself and other staff as well as the patient and their carers.

All staff who are concerned about possible abuse should take the following action.