Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Types and Indicators of Abuse

Types of Abuse Physical Sexual Abuse Psychological or emotional abuse Financial or material abuse Neglect or acts of omission Discriminatory Abuse Domestic Violence Institutional abuse and poor practice Exploitation Physical abuse such as: hitting, pushing, pinching, shaking, misuse of medication, scalding, inappropriate restraint, hair-pulling. Sexual abuse such as: rape or sexual assault; sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not or could not have consented, or to which they were pressurised into consenting. Psychological or emotional abuse such as: threats of harm or abandonment; deprivation of social or any other form of contact; humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, or harassment; verbal abuse; prevention from receiving services or support. Financial or material abuse such as: theft; fraud or exploitation; pressure in connection with wills, property, or inheritance; misuse of property, possessions or benefits. Neglect or acts of omission such as: ignoring medical or physical care needs; preventing access to health, social care, or educational services; withholding the necessities of life, such as food, drink, or heating. Discriminatory abuse such as that based upon a person's race, sexuality, or disability; any other forms of harassment or slurs. Domestic violence - all forms of abuse can be experienced in a family setting by a partner, family member, or with someone with whom there is a relationship. See Domestic violence . Institutional abuse and poor practice - disrespect and unethical practice, ill treatment and professional misconduct. Exploitation – exploitation of relationships

Indicators of Abuse and Self Harm Disclosure Unexplained injuries Malnourishment Poor hygiene Changes in behaviour Fearful of certain people Attention seeking behaviour Inappropriate behaviour Suicidal thoughts Financial difficulties Health problems Unexplained injuries - (fractures, burns, bruising, scalds, cuts, scars) Changes in behaviour - (low self esteem, mood swings, social withdrawal, passive or compliant) Financial difficulties – unable to pay bills, lack of food, lack of necessities, Health problems triggered by stress such as heart condition, breathing problems, ulcers, difficulty sleeping.

Where can abuse take place? in public places in the victim's own home at work in hospital in places of worship in care homes at day care. ................................................... Anywhere !

By Who? neighbour someone who also goes to the day centre family member volunteer paid health or social care worker teacher clergyman  GP An example of abuse

Risk Factors A person needs support with personal care. Certain personal care needs may present more opportunity for abuse Role reversal When someone is living with a known abuser Where there is a family history of abuse Where an adult is dependant on others Inappropriate or dangerous physical or emotional environment, for example, lack of personal space When there is a change in the lifestyle of a member of the household A member of the household experiencing emotional or social isolation Where there is an absence of local support networks Alcohol/substance misuse The existence of financial problems Breakdown in communication . Certain personal care needs may present more opportunity for abuse. for example the adult child taking over the parental role or others are dependant on them for example, lack of personal space , for example, unemployment, employment, illness