Types of abuse
This section considers the different types and patterns of abuse and neglect and the different circumstances in which they may take place. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list but an illustrative guide of behaviour which could give rise to a safeguarding concern.
Discriminatory
Disciminatory Abuse can include - Ill-treatment or harassment based on a persons age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
For more information:
- Possible indicators and examples of discriminatory abuse
- Discriminatory abuse: a briefing for practitioners | Local Government Association
Domestic Abuse
Domestic Abuse is any kind of violent, threatening or controlling behaviour between people in a personal relationship. This includes a partner, ex-partner, or family member. Domestic abuse is also known as domestic violence.
The Domestic Abuse Act 2021 defines domestic abuse as “any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, threatening behaviour, violence, or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are personally connected to each other.”
For more infirmation in realtion to Domestic Abuse and the support available to victims and survivors visit:
Domestic abuse | Birmingham City Council
Financial (or Material abuse)
Financial Abuse can include - Theft, fraud, coercion over wills, misusing someone’s money, property or other belongings without their agreement.
For more information:
- Financial abuse fact sheet
- Little Book of Scams
- Loan Sharks Leaflet
- Possible indicators and examples of financial abuse
- Video: Alan's Story Safeguarding from financial abuse
Modern slavery
Modern Slavery can include - Trafficking, forced labour, criminal exploitation and domestic servitude.
For more information visit:
- What modern slavery is | Modern slavery | Birmingham City Council
- Possible indicators and example of modern slavery
Neglect or Act of Ommision
This takes place where people responsible for giving care; ignoring or isolating the person, including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating.
For more information visit:
Organisational or Instituational Abuse
This can occur where organsiation have rigid regimes, systemic poor care, poor organisational culture, lack of resources, denial of choice, lack of dignity and respect for service users.
For more information visit:
- Possible indicators and examples of organisational abuse
- Organisational abuse resources | Local Government Association
Physical
Physical Abuse includes - Hitting, burning, pushing or kicking someone, rough handling, unreasonable restraint (including misuse of medication), locking someone in a room.
For more information visit:
Psychological and emotional
Psychological Abuse can include - Intimidation, bullying, shouting, swearing, taunting, threatening or humiliating someone, or radicalisation.
For more information visit:
- Psychological, Emotional or Mental Abuse fact sheet
- Possible indicators and examples of psychological and emotional abuse
Self-neglect
Self-neglect can take many different forms and may be the result of complex physical, mental, psychological and environmental factors; it can affect both adults with and without the mental capacity to understand the consequences of the way they live their life.
For more information visit:
- Hoarding | Self Neglect and Hoarding
- Self Neglect Guidance and Process
- Video: Keith's story: a personal and touching film about hoarding
Sexual
Sexual Abuse includes - Rape, inappropriate touching or forcing someone to take part in or witness any sexual act against their will.