LO1: Understand types and signs of abuse
What is abuse?
The UK government guidance defines abuse of a child as:
“A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm,
failing toact to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or
community setting by those known to them or by others (via the internet). They may be abused
by adults or by another child.
Action on Elder Abuse defines abuse to older adults as:
“A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship
where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
Types of abuse
Physical- a form of abuse which may involve hitting, slapping, poisoning, restraining or pushing
a person.
Sexual- involves forcing or enticing someone to take part in sexual activities. These activities
may include physical activities (rape/sexual assualt) or non-physical activities (exposing
someone to pornographic content)
Emotional- the persistent emotional maltreatment to cause effects on someone's mental
wellbeing. This may involve telling someone they are worthless or unloved or deliberately
silencing someone. Emotional abuse also covers threats and all types of verbal abuse.
Neglect- the persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical and emotional needs. This
includes failure to provide food, shelter and clothing. Neglect also includes failing to seek or
provide medical treatments and medical care.
Financial- a form of abuse that includes theft, fraud, exploitation and coercion (persuading
someone to do something) of an adult's financial arrangements, such as wills, inheritance or
financial transactions.
Institutional- a form of abuse that includes poor care practice within a specific care setting. This
may include isolating service users or continuing maltreatment
, Bullying- bullying is generally defined as behaviour that is constant , intended to hurt someone.
It is often aimed at certain groups (those with a disability, sexual orientation, race etc). It can
include physical assault or emotional abuse
Discrimination- treating a person less favourably on grounds of race, disability, gender, sexual
orientation or religion. It counts as excluding a person from services or activities because of
their differences.
Exploitation- a form of abuse that involves manipulating a person for profit or personal gain. The
most common example of someone exploiting a person, is when the abuser pretends to be their
friend.
Signs of abuse
Physical:
● Unexplained injuries that are in the shape of objects
● Finger marks
● Bruises
● Black eyes
● bite/ slap marks
● Burns
● Weight loss
Sexual:
● Bruises
● Scratches
● Soreness
● Bleeding around the genital or rectal areas
● Incontinence
● Pregnancy
● STIs
● Blood on clothing
● Unexplained stomach pains
Emotional:
● Lack of eye contact
● Being fearful or anxious
● Incontinence
● Self-harming
● Individual telling you they are not worthy
What is abuse?
The UK government guidance defines abuse of a child as:
“A form of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm,
failing toact to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or
community setting by those known to them or by others (via the internet). They may be abused
by adults or by another child.
Action on Elder Abuse defines abuse to older adults as:
“A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship
where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.”
Types of abuse
Physical- a form of abuse which may involve hitting, slapping, poisoning, restraining or pushing
a person.
Sexual- involves forcing or enticing someone to take part in sexual activities. These activities
may include physical activities (rape/sexual assualt) or non-physical activities (exposing
someone to pornographic content)
Emotional- the persistent emotional maltreatment to cause effects on someone's mental
wellbeing. This may involve telling someone they are worthless or unloved or deliberately
silencing someone. Emotional abuse also covers threats and all types of verbal abuse.
Neglect- the persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical and emotional needs. This
includes failure to provide food, shelter and clothing. Neglect also includes failing to seek or
provide medical treatments and medical care.
Financial- a form of abuse that includes theft, fraud, exploitation and coercion (persuading
someone to do something) of an adult's financial arrangements, such as wills, inheritance or
financial transactions.
Institutional- a form of abuse that includes poor care practice within a specific care setting. This
may include isolating service users or continuing maltreatment
, Bullying- bullying is generally defined as behaviour that is constant , intended to hurt someone.
It is often aimed at certain groups (those with a disability, sexual orientation, race etc). It can
include physical assault or emotional abuse
Discrimination- treating a person less favourably on grounds of race, disability, gender, sexual
orientation or religion. It counts as excluding a person from services or activities because of
their differences.
Exploitation- a form of abuse that involves manipulating a person for profit or personal gain. The
most common example of someone exploiting a person, is when the abuser pretends to be their
friend.
Signs of abuse
Physical:
● Unexplained injuries that are in the shape of objects
● Finger marks
● Bruises
● Black eyes
● bite/ slap marks
● Burns
● Weight loss
Sexual:
● Bruises
● Scratches
● Soreness
● Bleeding around the genital or rectal areas
● Incontinence
● Pregnancy
● STIs
● Blood on clothing
● Unexplained stomach pains
Emotional:
● Lack of eye contact
● Being fearful or anxious
● Incontinence
● Self-harming
● Individual telling you they are not worthy
