Claims of adult abuse up 175% in Hampshire

REPORTS of alleged abuse of vulnerable adults in Hampshire have nearly tripled over the last three years, latest figures show.

The number of cases referred to the county council has soared from 736 in 2008 to 2,029 in 2010 – a rise of 175 per cent.

Age Concern Hampshire has voiced its concern that at the same time as an increase in reported incidents, Government spending cuts make it more difficult for social services to tackle the problem.

Just under a third of cases involve allegations of neglect and a similar proportion physical abuse.

Nineteen per cent of cases featured stealing, 10 per cent were psychological, such as bullying, and six per cent sexual abuse.

Relatives and care workers were most often blamed.

Police action was taken in only 46 cases, or three per cent.

Councillor Felicity Hindson, executive member for adult services, said: “These figures do show an increase in suspected abuse but we would rather people reported their concerns to us so that allegations can be fully investigated and in cases where abuse is found, vulnerable adults are given the protection they need.”