Prevention of abuse and neglect

Belongings and property

• If a trader or utilities worker (gas, water, phone, electricity) called at your door, how would you ensure you know they are who they say they are?
• Do you leave money lying around? How easy would it be for someone (even a family member) to get hold of your purse or wallet without your permission?
• Do you have a 'spy hole' on your front door so that you can see who is calling before you decide whether to open the door to them?
• Do you have a smoke alarm and if so, is it working - is there a working battery in it? This is vital if you smoke or have mobility issues. Have you asked for a home safety check from the Fire Service.
• Are your windows and doors secure?
• Have you ever given anyone your PIN number? If you have, do you check your bank balance daily? Remember, you should never give your PIN number to anyone.

You as a person

• How much liquid do you drink, or food do you eat (hot or cold), each day? 2 litres (about 4 pints) is a healthy minimum. Dehydration can bring many problems; in a mild form it caused dizziness, headaches and other symptoms, leaving you weaker and less able to protect yourself. In its more severe state it causes long term damage and organ failure.
• Do you eat a good diet - a balanced amount of protein (meat, fish, cheese, eggs), and carbohydrate (rice, potatoes, bread, pasta, and fruit and vegetables)?
• How much alcohol do you drink? It is recommended no more than 3-4 units a day if you're a man, 2-3 units a day if you're a woman. Apart from the effects on your general health, remember: just as it increases the tendency towards violence in some people, it can be very easy to take advantage of someone who is intoxicated.
• How active are you? Recommended activity levels for adults is 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, at least five days a week is good to keep you fit.

Are you assertive?

If you are receiving support - be assertive. To do this you need to simply be:

• Honest and fair with yourself and others
• Able to say directly what it is you want, need or feel - but not at the expense of others
• Able to understand the other person's point of view
• Able to respond in a rational way, for example, when the other person doesn't see your point or understand where you are coming from; continue to calmly explain and ask for their understanding.
• Able to negotiate and reach workable compromises
• Able to have and show respect for others and for yourself
• Assertiveness is not about getting your own way and winning every time, nor is it a way to manipulate other people. It's about adopting behaviour which helps you to communicate your needs clearly to other people, without abusing their human rights.

If you are not able to behave in this way, it increases the likelihood of frustration, disagreements and arguments.