Increasingly, people are more willing to report concerns, whether in their role as a family member, friend or in a professional capacity like a teacher or health worker.

However, there are many adults who are in need of the same protection mechanisms, who rely on the care of others and as such are vulnerable.

They will often have had the support of the state as a child and it must be ensured that those support networks are not wholly removed when they become adults.

It is disturbing to note the number of cases coming to the attention of social services but also heartening to see the number of people willing to report their concerns, fears or suspicions.

Protection of vulnerable adults may not provoke the same emotions as the thought of a child in danger, but there are many people in our communities who need the same level of concern for their welfare to be shown.

Recent high-profile cases may heighten awareness for a time, and reports will increase, but the concern needs to continue.

Those who are vulnerable, whether living at home or in care settings, need and deserve our protection regardless of their age.