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Recognising abuse

 
Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can vary from the seemingly trivial act of not treating someone with respect to extreme punishment or torture.

Many forms of abuse, such as theft, assault or rape, are a crime and will result in police involvement.

Abuse can take many forms:

  • Physical abuse – hitting, pushing, slapping, rough handling etc.
  • Sexual abuse – any kind of sexual activity where a person has not or is not able to give consent or has been pressured into it.
  • Financial abuse - misuse or theft of money, theft of a person’s possessions, property or other goods.
  • Emotional or psychological abuse – use of threats, shouting or denial of an individual’s choices and wishes.
  • Neglect – where a person suffers because his/her health or physical needs are not looked after, for example failing to keep someone warm, clean and well nourished or neglecting to give prescribed medication.
  • Discriminatory abuse – which includes racist and sexist abuse, abuse that is based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.

Who abuses?

It can be anyone, but the person responsible is often well known to the person. For example a:

  • wife, husband, or partner
  • son, daughter, relative or friend
  • paid or volunteer care worker
  • health worker or social care worker
  • visitor or neighbour
Abuse can happen anywhere such as at home, in residential and nursing homes, hospitals, day centres or in public places.

Seek help now

A to Z of Services

Contact information

  • 020 8854 8888

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