Mate crimes are hate crimes

Hearing about someone being taken advantage of, especially when the are vulnerable due to an illness or disability, feels like one of the most heinous of crimes.

Yet, 'Mate Crime' is not uncommon and it can be really difficult to prevent, prove and deal with - and adults with learning disabilities are often targeted.

We recently had a Carer get in touch as her adult son had been befriended by a woman who promised she'd, "go out with him... in the future". In the meantime, she strung this vulnerable young man on, asking for money regularly for this and that, and coming over so he could pay for take-outs.

On some level it might seem ok... he seems happy and mum didn't want to rock the boat, but left with no money at the end of the month, there is no doubt that he is being taken advantage of.

It's easier to prove if the perpetrator is malicious or violent, causing physical harm which might be evidenced through cuts or bruising, or if you are able to witness verbal abuse. But coercion and grooming makes the vulnerable person like and believes them, so they 'want' to hand over their money? The vulnerable person isn't always made to feel afraid or upset, so what can you do?

If you are worried about the person you care for due to their vulnerability to fraud or scams, make sure you tell someone. Does the person have a Social Worker or any kind of Support Worker?

Mencap have a Let's talk about Safeguarding section (also available as a printable pdf) which may be helpful for you or someone else the person you are worried about trusts, to go through with them. 

The Financial abuse section includes: 

5. Financial abuse

This is when someone takes your money or things that belong to you without asking.

This is also when someone convinces you to spend money on them. 

Does the person you care for have 'capacity'? If not, perhaps getting a Deputyship in place would be worth looking into? Read our blog for details and links, but remember, if the vulnerable person's income is via the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) it is faster, easier and free to request to be an Appointee, so that you can manage their benefits on their behalf.

The Police have specific teams who deal with fraud, scams and exploitation, so if you are concerned then complete a ActionFraud form.

You might also find the information from The Challenging Behaviour Foundation useful and

Mencap's details on Mate crimes.

Mencap also has a useful guide on applying for Lasting Power of Attorney for someone who does have mental capacity.