What is abuse?
Abuse is when someone harms, hurts, exploits or neglects another person. It can happen once or many times. It can be deliberate, or it can happen because someone does not provide the care or support a person needs.
Abuse can happen anywhere, including at home, in the community, online, in hospital, in a care home, in supported accommodation, in custody, or in a place that should feel safe.
Anyone can cause abuse or neglect. This might include a partner, family member, friend, neighbour, paid worker, volunteer, professional, stranger, or another person using the same service.
Adult safeguarding is about protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It should be person-centred and should consider the adult’s views, wishes, feelings and wellbeing wherever possible.
Types of abuse
Abuse and neglect can take different forms. The main types include:
- Physical abuse – being hit, slapped, pushed, restrained, hurt or given medication in the wrong way.
- Domestic abuse – abuse by a partner, ex-partner or family member. This can include controlling, coercive, threatening, violent or abusive behaviour.
- Sexual abuse – being made to take part in sexual activity without consent.
- Psychological or emotional abuse – threats, humiliation, intimidation, bullying, controlling behaviour or being deliberately isolated.
- Financial or material abuse – theft, fraud, scams, pressure about money or property, or misuse of someone’s money, possessions or benefits.
- Modern slavery – being forced to work, being exploited, trafficked, or controlled by another person.
- Discriminatory abuse – abuse linked to disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, age or other personal characteristics.
- Organisational abuse – poor care or unsafe practice within a care setting, hospital, service or organisation.
- Neglect or acts of omission – not providing necessary care, food, medication, heating, support, or access to health and care services.
- Self-neglect – when a person is unable or unwilling to care for their own health, hygiene, home or safety, and this places them at serious risk.
The Care and support statutory guidance and SCIE identify these ten main types of abuse and neglect used in adult safeguarding practice.
Signs that someone may be being abused
Someone may:
- seem frightened, withdrawn, anxious or upset
- have unexplained injuries
- have changes in mood, behaviour or appearance
- be short of money, food, medication, heating or basic items
- become isolated from family, friends or usual support
- appear afraid of a particular person
- be prevented from speaking for themselves
- live in unsafe or very poor conditions
- say that someone is hurting, threatening, controlling or exploiting them.
One sign does not always mean abuse is happening, but it should be taken seriously. SCIE notes that signs of abuse can be difficult to detect and that indicators should prompt further consideration rather than being treated as proof on their own.
When does adult safeguarding apply?
Adult safeguarding applies where there is concern that an adult:
- has care and support needs
- is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect
- because of those needs, is unable to protect themselves from the abuse or neglect.
This comes from section 42 of the Care Act 2014. Where these criteria are met, the local authority must make, or arrange for others to make, enquiries to decide what action may be needed.
What should I do if I am worried?
If you are worried that an adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, you should report it.
In Warrington, members of the public and external agencies can report adult safeguarding concerns to the First Response Team on 01925 443322. Outside office hours, call 01925 444400.
If someone is in immediate danger, or a crime is happening now, call 999.
Professionals should use the relevant adult safeguarding referral route.
Useful links: