Reports of adult abuse increase in Edinburgh

The number of adults falling victim to verbal, sexual abuse and financial exploitation in Edinburgh has increased by more than 70% in six months.

Figures from December 2008 to May 2009 show 409 adults were referred to support services compared with 239 from June 2008 to November 2008.

It comes as a campaign, It’s In Your Hands, urges people to be more aware of adults who may be at risk.

It claims some adults need the same protection as children from abusers.

‘Reaching out’

It is the first campaign of its kind in Scotland and was launched by Edinburgh City Council adult protection committee, which includes NHS Lothian and Lothian and Borders Police, in April 2009.

Paul Edie, Edinburgh City Council health and social care convener, said the increase in figures showed there was now greater awareness surrounding adults who were at risk from harm than ever before.

He said: “The aim of It’s In Your Hands is to help those adults who are at risk of being harmed, and these latest figures show we are making an impact.

“Although the numbers are low, if we can prevent just one adult from being taken advantage of and hurt then we have made a difference.”

Melanie Hornett, director of nursing at NHS Lothian, said: “As the campaign moves forward we hope to reach out to both the public and staff and raise awareness of the issues surrounding adult protection.”