What is Abuse or Self -Neglect?

Abuse is a violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons. It can be a singular or repeated act, or a lack of action. Abuse or neglect can be unintentional; however, the primary focus must still be how to safeguard the adult at risk. What is important is the harm done and whether the abuse might be repeated.

HSC will not limit the view of what constitutes abuse or neglect, as this can take many forms and the circumstances of the individual case should always be considered.

More recently, self-neglect has been included within the HSC adult safeguarding policy as a further category of abuse;This covers a wide range of behaviour, including neglecting to attend to personal care, health or environment.

Types of Abuse

Physical abuse, including hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions

Sexual abuse, including rape and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult at risk has not consented, or could not consent or was pressured into consenting

Psychological abuse, including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, isolation or withdrawal from services or supportive networks.

Financial or material abuse, including theft, fraud, exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property or inheritance or financial transactions, or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits

Neglect and acts of omission, including ignoring medical or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, social care or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating

Discriminatory abuse, including racist, sexist, that based on a person’s disability, and other forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment.