Topics relating to vulnerable people
There is no single way of defining if someone is vulnerable across public services and there has been a shift away from defining vulnerability based on personal characteristics to a focus instead on the circumstances that make an individual vulnerable and the support activities required. For example a person may be vulnerable if in receipt of social care or while in hospital, if disabled, with a long-term health problem, in a domestic abuse situation, or becomes homeless or if their home is flooded. These circumstances may not be long-term. For further information on defining vulnerability see the discussion document in the 'related documents' box.
Domestic abuse
Domestic abuse is all too common in the UK, and its harmful impacts on survivors can extend to many areas of their lives, including mental health, physical wellbeing and family safety. (Refuge)