All nurses, whatever setting they work in, are likely to encounter people who are at risk of abuse and neglect. Recent reports have highlighted poor care and abuse and safeguarding adults is therefore a key requirement in pre-registration programmes. This book seeks to raise nurses' awareness of vulnerability, abuse and neglect whilst providing them with the knowledge and skills required to safeguard those within their care. It encourages them to make links between theory and practice, to think critically in order to achieve the necessary balance between protection and empowerment and to examine how their personal practice may be improved.

Introduction
Safeguarding, Vulnerability and Abuse: Understanding the Context
The Meanings of Vulnerability
Ethical Frameworks and Principles
Abuse and Neglect
Safeguarding
Legal and Policy Provisions
Professional Frameworks
Inter-Professional and Inter-Agency Working
A Systems Approach to Safeguarding
Safeguarding and Research