Abuse and neglect

The Care Act 2014 identifies ten categories of abuse and neglect that should be included within Safeguarding Adult policy and procedures.

Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple, and affect one person or more. Professionals and others should look beyond single incidents or individuals to identify patterns of harm. 

Patterns of abuse vary and include:

• serial abuse. The perpetrator seeks out and 'grooms' individuals. Sexual abuse sometimes falls into this pattern as do some forms of financial abuse;
• long-term abuse. In the context of an ongoing family relationship such as domestic violence between spouses or generations or persistent psychological abuse;
• opportunistic abuse. Theft occurring because money or jewellery has been left lying around.

10 types of abuse and neglect

1. Physical abuse including:

• assault
• hitting
• slapping
• pushing
• misuse of medication
• restraint
• inappropriate physical sanctions

2. Domestic violence including:

• psychological
• physical
• sexual
• financial
• emotional abuse
• so called 'honour' based violence

3. Sexual abuse including:

• rape
• indecent exposure
• sexual harassment
• inappropriate looking or touching
• sexual teasing or innuendo
• sexual photography
• subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts
• indecent exposure
• sexual assault
• sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting

4. Psychological abuse including:

• emotional abuse
• threats of harm or abandonment
• deprivation of contact
• humiliation
• blaming
• controlling
• intimidation
• coercion
• harassment
• verbal abuse
• cyber bullying
• isolation
• unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks

5. Financial or material abuse including:

• theft
• fraud
• internet scamming
• coercion in relation to an adult's financial affairs or arrangements, including in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions
• the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits

6. Modern slavery encompasses:

• slavery
• human trafficking
• forced labour and domestic servitude.
• traffickers and slave masters using whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce,  deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment

7. Discriminatory abuse including forms of:

• harassment
• slurs or similar treatment: 
• because of race
• gender and gender identity
• age
• disability
• sexual orientation
• religion

8. Organisational abuse:        

Including neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home. For example, or in relation to care provided in one's own home. This may range from one off incidents to ongoing ill-treatment. It can be through neglect or poor professional practice as a result of the structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation.

9. Neglect and acts of omission 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

10. Self-neglect:

This covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding.  Self-neglect may not prompt a section 42 enquiry. Make assessments on a case by case basis. A decision to respond under safeguarding will depend on the adult's ability to protect themselves by controlling their own behaviour. There may come a point when they are no longer able to do this, without external support.