1. Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults
Types and Indicators of Abuse

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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 !

5. 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

6. 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