Changes to the Crimes Act (Crimes Amendment Act (no 3) 2011) introduced in 2012 mean that certain people are legally responsible for protecting vulnerable adults from injury.

As well as setting out the duty to protect, this legislation also sets out that a failure to take reasonable steps is an offence carrying a maximum penalty of 10 years imprisonment.

Who is a “vulnerable adult” in this context?

A vulnerable adult is someone who because of their age, sickness or mental impairment, or for any other reason, is completely unable to remove themselves from the care or charge of another person.

Who must protect a “vulnerable adult”?

• Anyone who is over 18 and who is aware that abuse of a vulnerable adult is occurring in the household they live in or are a member of
• Care-givers of vulnerable adults
• All staff members of any hospital, institution or residence

Practically, this means that any household members and hospital staff must recognise when an adult is considered vulnerable, and then take reasonable steps to ensure that persons safety.

This training gives you the opportunity to develop your skill in knowing who is vulnerable, knowing what to do, and knowing how to document your actions.