Adult safety and protection
Find out what to do if you or an individual you know is at risk of harm.
Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007
The Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 is a law which protects adults from being harmed and gives support to help them keep safe.
An 'adult at risk' is someone 16 and over and:
- at risk of being harmed by someone or harming themselves
- has a disability, a mental health issue or a physical illness
- at risk of harm where they live or in their community
What's harm?
Harm can be done to a person in many different ways, including:
- physical - someone hitting, punching or kicking you
- psychological - someone causing you fear, alarm, distress or bullying you
- financial - taking someone's benefits, theft of money, property or fraud
- sexual - any unwanted sexual contact
- neglect - someone such as a family member, friend or paid carer not taking care of someone who needs their support (intentionally or unintentionally)
What can I do?
If you're being treated badly or you know of someone being harmed, it's important to tell someone. Get in touch with our Initial Contact team.
If you're in immediate danger or need urgent medical help phone 999.
Last modified on 19 February 2024
