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.

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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.

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Modern slavery

Modern Slavery can include - Trafficking, forced labour, criminal exploitation and domestic servitude.

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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.

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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.

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Physical

Physical Abuse includes - Hitting, burning, pushing or kicking someone, rough handling, unreasonable restraint (including misuse of medication), locking someone in a room.

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Psychological and emotional

Psychological Abuse can include - Intimidation, bullying, shouting, swearing, taunting, threatening or humiliating someone, or radicalisation.

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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.

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Sexual

Sexual Abuse includes - Rape, inappropriate touching or forcing someone to take part in or witness any sexual act against their will.