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Types of Abuse

Abuse can be categorised in many forms and often adults may be at risk of multiple forms of abuse.

Physical – assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions

Domestic Abuse – psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional, so called ‘honour’ based violence

Sexual – rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the individual has not consented or was pressured into consenting

Psychological – emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks

Financial or material – theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adults financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits

Modern Slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude or inhumane treatment

Discriminatory – forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment; because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion

Organisational – neglect and poor practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, for example, or in relation to care provided in one’s own home. This may range from one off incidents to ongoing ill treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation

Neglect and acts of omission – ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating

Self Neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour; neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviours such as hoarding