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Abuse
What is abuse?
"Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any
person or persons"
Source Department of Health "No Secets" 2000
Sadly, a significant number of vulnerable adults experience abuse.
Abuse is any behaviour towards a person that deliberately or unknowingly
causes him or her harm, either physically, emotionally or in its effect
on a person’s wellbeing and development. It might be a single action or
repeated actions.
Abuse can be:
- Physical - hitting, smacking, pushing, shaking, over-medication,
unnecessary restraint, withholding food or drink or otherwise causing
physical harm.
- Sexual - any sexual activity where a vulnerable adult cannot or does
not give their consent such as unwanted sexual attention,
teasing/innuendo, touching or molesting.
- Financial or material - such as fraud or theft, borrowing money and
not repaying or using a vulnerable adult’s money or property without
their permission.
- Emotional or psychological - such as shouting or swearing at or
ignoring a vulnerable adult, humiliation, patronising attitudes, denying
privacy or other rights or the use of insulting language related to
their age, ethnicity, culture, background, sexuality or disability (this
could also be called "discrimination")
- Neglect and acts of omission - this is where a person allows a
vulnerable adult to suffer by not fulfilling their responsibility of
care.
- Institutional - repeated poor care of vulnerable adults or groups of
individuals through neglect or poor professional practice.
Where can abuse happen?
Abuse can take place in any setting:
- In your own home.
- In someone else's home (a relative or friend's)
- In a residential or nursing home.
- In a hospital or GP surgery.
- In a day centre, adult day services, learning centre, college or other
establishment.
- At work.
- In a public place.
Who abuses adults?
Vulnerable adults can be abused by anyone such as:
- Relatives
- Friends and other associates
- Professional staff
- Paid or voluntary workers
- Other vulnerable adults
- People who deliberately target vulnerable adults and strangers
What are the signs to look for?
Some of the signs are:
- Multiple bruising or finger marks
- Injuries the person cannot provide a good reason for
- Deterioration of health for no apparent reason
- Inappropriate clothing
- Mood changes or withdrawal
- Shortage of money
- A person who is unwilling to be alone with a carer
- A carer who is unwilling to allow access to the person.
Prevention
The earlier abuse is spotted, the less long-term harm can be carried out
- always trust your instincts if you feel someone is not being treated
in the way they should be.
If you suspect abuse is happening, share your concerns.
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S.M.D Counselling & Psychotherapy
Regus
Wales
1
Junction 23a (M4)
Newport
Gwent
NP26 3DG
United Kingdom
Direct line : 01291- 424949
Main office available for a radius of 50 miles of Newport
EVENING & WEEKENDS AVAILABLE IN ALL OFFICES
Home calls available
Discounts are available
Able to offer you an appointment within 48 hours |