2.5 Who abuses and neglects adults?

Anyone can carry out abuse or neglect, including:

Spouses/partners
Other family members
Neighbours
Friends
Acquaintances
Local residents
People who deliberately exploit adults they perceive as vulnerable to abuse
Paid staff or professionals
Volunteers and strangers.

Abuse can happen anywhere: for example, in someone’s own home, in a public place, in hospital, in a care home or in college. It can take place when an adult lives alone or with others.