Adult protection significant case reviews: interim framework

Definition of harm

S 53 of 'the Act' states harm includes all harmful conduct and, in particular, includes:

(a) Conduct which causes physical harm

(b) Conduct which causes psychological harm (for example: by causing fear, alarm or distress)

(c) Unlawful conduct which appropriates or adversely affects property, rights or interests (for example, theft, fraud, embezzlement or extortion)

(d) Conduct which causes self-harm

The Code of Practice to 'the Act' explains that the definition is not exhaustive and no category of harm is excluded because it is not explicitly listed. In general terms, behaviours that constitute 'harm' to a person can be physical, sexual, psychological, financial, or a combination of these. The harm can be accidental or intentional, as a result of self-neglect or neglect by a carer or caused by self-harm and/or attempted suicide. Domestic abuse, gender based violence, forced marriage, human trafficking, stalking, hate crime and 'mate crime' will generally also be harm.