Abuse is when someone causes harm or distress. It can take many forms, ranging from disrespect to causing someone physical or mental pain. It can occur in someone’s home, a care home, a hospital or a public place.
The types of abuse include; neglect, physical abuse, psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, self neglect, sexual abuse, institutional abuse, discriminatory abuse and self neglect. All types of domestic abuse, sexual violence, stalking, harassment and coercive control, all types of exploitation which include modern slavery, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, honour-based violence and radicalisation. You can read more about the types of abuse below.
The worry that has been reported will be reviewed and action taken based on the information shared. This may involve several agencies working together to share more information to help build a picture of the child and/or adult’s circumstances. This is known as a multi-agency approach and is the most effective way to protect children and adults at risk. The immediate priority is to ensure that the child and/or the adult at risk is safe and protected from any further abuse.
Neglect is when a person does not receive the care, support, or help they need to stay safe, healthy, and well. This can happen because someone responsible for their care is unable or unwilling to meet their basic needs.
Examples of neglect may include:
Not having enough food or drink.
Not receiving necessary medical care or medication.
Being left in unsafe or unsuitable living conditions.
Not getting help with personal care, such as washing, dressing, or using the toilet.
Being left alone when they need support or supervision.
Not having access to heating, clean clothing, or other essentials.
Neglect can be a one-off incident or happen over time. It may be intentional or unintentional, but it results in a person's basic needs not being met and can place them at risk of harm.
Physical abuse is the use of force that causes pain, injury, harm, or distress to a person.
Examples include:
Hitting, slapping, pushing, or kicking.
Misusing medication.
Inappropriate restraint.
Rough handling or causing physical harm.
Physical abuse is when someone deliberately hurts or injures another person, or uses force in a way that causes harm.
Signs of physical abuse may include unexplained injuries, repeated accidents, fear of certain people, or injuries that do not fit the explanation provided.
Psychological or emotional abuse is behaviour that causes a person emotional distress, fear, loss of confidence, or harm to their wellbeing.
Psychological or emotional abuse is when someone uses words or actions to control, frighten, humiliate, isolate, or upset another person.
Signs of psychological or emotional abuse may include fear, anxiety, low confidence, social isolation, sudden changes in behaviour, or someone being controlled, intimidated, or humiliated by another person.
Financial abuse is when someone improperly uses, controls, or takes another person's money, property, or possessions without their consent.
Financial abuse is when someone's money, belongings, or finances are misused, stolen, or controlled in a way that causes harm or disadvantage.
Signs of financial abuse can include missing money, unpaid bills, sudden changes to financial arrangements, or someone else taking control of a person's finances without their consent.
Sexual abuse is when someone is involved in sexual activity without their consent.
Common signs of sexual abuse:
Unexplained injuries, bruising, or pain.
Fear, anxiety, or distress around a particular person.
Sudden changes in behaviour or mood.
Withdrawal from family, friends, or usual activities.
Reluctance to be alone with certain individuals.
Changes in personal care, sleep, or eating habits.
Sexually inappropriate comments or behaviour.
Unexplained sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy.
Institutional abuse is when poor care, neglect, or inappropriate practices within a care setting, organisation, or service cause harm to a person or group of people.
Common signs of institutional abuse:
Lack of choice, privacy, or dignity.
Rigid routines that ignore individual needs.
Poor standards of care.
Unsafe, unclean, or overcrowded environments.
Inadequate staffing or support.
Repeated complaints about the service.
People appearing withdrawn, distressed, or fearful.
Neglect of personal care, nutrition, or healthcare needs.
Discriminatory abuse
Self-neglect is when a person is unable or unwilling to care for their own basic needs, health, safety, or wellbeing which may put them at risk of harm.
Common signs of self-neglect:
Poor personal hygiene.
Not eating or drinking enough.
Not taking prescribed medication or seeking medical care.
Living in unsafe, unclean, or cluttered conditions.
Wearing inappropriate or dirty clothing.
Neglecting health, personal care, or daily living needs.
Hoarding or difficulties managing the home environment.