Vulnerability is defined as someone who is “weak and easily hurt physically or emotionally” by the Oxford learners Dictionary (Oxford University Press 2019). Although this definition essentially captures the meaning of vulnerability, vulnerability can be subjective to the needs of the individual at any given time. Vulnerability can be transient, changing in severity and can often be overlooked or misunderstood. As outlined by Appleton, vulnerability is a continuum which families move in and out of at varying stages dependant on their ability to cope with both internal and external stressors (Appleton,1999).
The college of Policing defines vulnerability as “A person is vulnerable if; as a result of their situation or circumstances, they are unable to take care of or protect others from harm or exploitation” (College of Policing, 2017). The college of Policing suggest that there are a number of factors that make a person vulnerable and these can be both situational and personal:
Personal – referring to; age, disability, sexual orientation, ethnicity, gender, religion, mental health.
Situational – referring to; adverse circumstances, coercive control, grooming, isolation, lack of power, lack of support, poverty, risky behaviour, abuser.