Introduction to Section 4

Summary

Many groups are more vulnerable to violence than others, with children, some ethnic minorities and the elderly more at risk than others. In this section, these aspects of vulnerability are examined closely. Children exposed to violence are perhaps the group who suffer most, as the effects of abuse and harm can scar them for the rest of their lives. Their inability to resist makes the need for safeguarding paramount, but intervention often takes place late when the damage has been done. Older people and those with intellectual disability are similarly vulnerable and the chapters in this section offer sound advice on management. Black, Asian and other minority groups (BAME) deserve a separate chapter. They are both more vulnerable to violence and perceived as more likely to express violence, a perception that is often wrong and can have racist overtones. There is controversy over the causes of violence in this group, but the authors present a balanced view containing sound advice.