Signs and Symptoms of Abuse
Abuse may take many forms and may include criminal activity. It may take the form of:
It may involve any combination of the above.
Possible Indicators of Physical Abuse
- Multiple bruising
- Fractures
- Burns
- Bed sores
- Fear
- Depression
- Unexplained weight loss
- Assault (can be intentional or reckless)
Possible Indicators of Neglect
and Acts of Omission
- Malnutrition
- Untreated medical problems
- Bed sores
- Confusion
- Over-sedation
- Deprivation of meals may constitute “wilful neglect”
Possible Indicators of Psychological and Emotional Abuse
- Fear
- Depression
- Confusion
- Loss of sleep
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
- Deprivation of liberty could be false imprisonment. Aggressive shouting causing fear of violence in a public place may be an offence against Public Order Act 1986, or harassment under the Protection from Harassment Act 1997
Possible Indicators of Sexual Abuse
- Loss of sleep
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour
- Bruising
- Soreness around the genitals
- Torn, stained or bloody underwear
- A preoccupation with anything sexual
- Sexually transmitted diseases
- Pregnancy
- Rape – e.g. a male member of staff having sex with a Mental Health client (see Mental Health Act 1983)
- Indecent Assault
Possible Indicators of Financial and Material Abuse
- Unexplained withdrawals from the bank
- Unusual activity in the bank accounts
- Unpaid bills
- Unexplained shortage of money
- Reluctance on the part of the person with responsibility for the funds to provide basic food and clothes etc.
- Fraud
- Theft
Possible Indicators of Organisational Abuse
- Inflexible and non-negotiable systems and routines
- Lack of consideration of dietary requirements
- Name calling; inappropriate ways of addressing people
- Lack of adequate physical care – an unkempt appearance
Possible Indicators of Self-Neglect
This includes various behaviours; disregarding one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings resulting in a risk that impact on the adult’s wellbeing, this could consist of behaviours such as hoarding.
Possible indicators of Modern Slavery
Modern Slavery is an international crime, it can include victims that have been brought from overseas, and vulnerable people in the UK. Slave Masters and Traffickers will deceive, coerce and force adults into a life of abuse, callous treatment and slavery.
Possible indicators of Domestic Abuse
Definition of Domestic Abuse;
- Incident of pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, or threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse…by someone who is or has been an intimate partner or family member regardless of gender or sexuality.Includes: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse; so called ‘honour based violence; Female Genital Mutilation; forced marriage
- Age range extended down to 16 (for the purpose of the safeguarding adult arrangements, safeguarding children arrangements would be applied to a person under 18)
Possible indicators of Discriminatory Abuse
Abuse can be experienced as harassment, insults or similar actions due to race, religion, gender, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation.
Possible indicators of Sexual Exploitation
Sexual exploitation is a subset of sexual abuse. It involves exploitative situations and relationships where people receive 'something' (e.g. accommodation, alcohol, affection, money) as a result of them performing, or others performing on them, sexual activities
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