Promoting sexual safety through empowerment: CQC major report
A shocking new report published by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) the care regulator, has revealed hundreds of elderly and vulnerable social care residents have allegedly been sexually assaulted in the three months - March to May 2018.
According to the CQC there were 899 sexual incidents reported by social care homes in this period. Almost half were categorised as sexual assault. In 16 per cent of the cases members of staff or visiting workers were accused of carrying out the abuse.
The report called Promoting sexual safety through empowerment: A review of sexual safety and the support of people’s sexuality in adult social care was developed using CQC data from statutory notifications of sexual incidents or incidents of alleged abuse and through conversations and engagement with people who use services and their families and carers, including those who have been involved in sexual safety incidents, providers and their representatives, voluntary sector organisations and other stakeholders.
Report concludes:
- a lack of awareness of good practice in sexual safety and sexuality can place people at risk of harm
- a culture must be developed where people and staff feel empowered to talk about sexuality and raise concerns around safety
- as the regulator, CQC have a strong role in making sure people using services are protected and supported.
The report gives detailed recommendations for providers and leaders in adult social care, as well as for CQC as the regulator.
This critically important report is a must read for all care homes and must be used to change practice.
Click here for Promoting sexual safety through empowerment: Full report
Click here for Promoting sexual safety through empowerment: Summary
Published