No Secrets
What do we mean by abuse?
Abuse is when someone else does something to another person which damages their quality of life or puts them at risk of harm. Abuse can be a criminal act when it is an offence against another person. It can happen once or repeatedly. It may be deliberate or caused by ignorance.
Who might be at risk of abuse?
This page is about adults ie. people who are over 18.
Some adults may be more at risk than others, including:
- People who depend on others for their care.
- Older people who are dependent on others.
- People with mental health problems.
- People with learning or physical disabilities.
- People with sight or hearing impairment or loss.
- People with dementia.
- People who misuse substances.
- People with long-term health needs
Who can abuse?
Anyone can be an abuser but it is usually someone known to the person.
Where does it happen?
Abuse can happen anywhere. It may happen at home, in a care home, hospital, day centre or in a public place.
Forms of abuse
Abuse can take many forms and may include:
Physical:
- being hit or injured on purpose
- restraining someone inappropriately
Emotional:
- intimidation, threats, humiliation, extortion
- racial, verbal or psychological abuse
- blackmail, coercion, harassment
Sexual:
- Involvement in a sexual activity which is unwanted or not understood
- Unwanted sexual attention
Neglect/Deprivation:
- not providing food, clothing, attention or care
- withholding of aids or equipment (continence, walking, hearing, glasses)
- putting someone at risk of infection
- failure to provide access to appropriate health or social care
- imposed Isolation/Confinement
- being refused the company of others either at home or outside
Sensory deprivation:
- misuse of medication
- inappropriately giving medication, overdosing or withholding it
Financial/Material:
- the theft or misuse of money, property or personal possessions
- pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance
Discriminatory:
- treating people differently or worse than you would want to be treated because they are older, more frail, confused or otherwise vulnerable
- self-inflicted injury may be a sign that abuse is taking place, for example because someone feels disturbed.
What you should do if someone tells you they are being neglected or abused?
- stay calm and listen to them
- take what you are being told seriously
- offer support to help them stop the abuse happening
- be aware that medical or other evidence might be needed
- make a written note of what you have been told
- contact Social Services or the police
Do not:
- press the person for more details (these can be taken later)
- assume that someone else is aware of the situation and will take action
- contact the alleged abuser
- promise to keep it a secret
- be afraid to contact Social Services or the police to discuss it
What if you are the person being abused?
- contact Social Services
or the police
or - ask someone you trust to contact them for you
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