Types of Abuse

Abuse is not normal and never OK. Being abused means a person is being deliberately hurt by someone else.

It can very from the seemingly trivial act of not treating someone with dignity and respect – to extreme punishment, cruelty or torture.

The commonly recognised forms of abuse are physical, sexual, financial, psychological, discriminatory, neglect or act of omission, organisational, self-neglect, domestic abuse or modern slavery.

Financial or Material Abuse

This is including theft, fraud, internet scamming, coercion in relation to an adult’s financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits.

Physical Abuse

Including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions.

Neglect and Acts of Omission

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

Sexual Abuse

Including 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 adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting.

Psychological Abuse

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

Organisational Abuse

Including neglect or poor care practice within an organisation or specific care setting, such as a hospital or care home. It can also be in relation to care provided in your own home. This may range from one-off incidents to on-going ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

Discriminatory Abuse

Including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

Self-Neglect

This covers a wide range of behaviour such as neglecting to care for your personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Domestic Abuse

Including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional or so-called ‘honour’ based violence.

Modern Slavery

Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude.