Indicators are the main signs and symptoms, which suggest that some form of abuse may have occurred, but caution is suggested against establishing adult abuse merely due to the presence of one or more of these indicators without further detailed assessment/investigation. Typically an abusive situation will involve indicators from a number of groups in combination. Physical AbusePhysical injuries which have no satisfactory explanation or where there is a definite knowledge, or a reasonable suspicion that the injury was inflicted with intent, or through lack of care, by the person having custody, charge or care of that person, including hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of or lack of medication, restraint, or inappropriate sanctions. Possible Indicators of physical abuse
Psychological AbusePsychological, or emotional abuse, includes the use of threats, fears or bribes to negate a vulnerable adult’s choices, independent wishes and self-esteem; Cause isolation or over-dependence (as might be signalled by impairment of development or performance) or prevent a vulnerable adult from using services, which would provide help. Possible Indicators of psychological abuse
Sexual AbuseSexual acts which might be abusive include non-contact abuse such as looking, pornographic photography, indecent exposure, harassment, unwanted teasing or innuendo, or contact such as touching or penetration. Possible Indicators of sexual abuse
Domestic Violence and AbuseAs well as physical violence, examples of domestic abuse can involve: undermining an individual’s self-confidence; threats to others including children; controlling behaviour such as isolation from friends and family; restricting access to money, personal items, food, telephone etc.; and stalking. Possible Indicators of Domestic Violence and abuse
Financial AbuseUsually involves an individual’s funds or resources being inappropriately used by a third person. It includes the withholding of money or the inappropriate or unsanctioned use of a person’s money or property or the entry of the vulnerable adult into financial contracts or transactions that they do not understand, to their disadvantage. Possible Indicators of financial abuse
Neglect / Acts of OmissionNeglect can be both physical and emotional it is about the failure to keep a vulnerable adult clean, warm and promote optimum health, or to provide adequate nutrition, medication, being prevented from making choices Neglect of a duty of care or the breakdown of a care package may also give rise to safeguarding issues i.e. where a carer refuses access or if a care provider is unable, unwilling or neglects to meet assessed needs. If the circumstances mean that the vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm then Safeguarding Adults procedures should be invoked. Possible Indicators of neglect
Discriminatory AbuseIs abuse targeted at a perceived vulnerability or on the basis of prejudice including racism or sexism, or based on a person’s disability. It can take any of the other forms of abuse, harassment, slurs or similar treatment. Discriminatory abuse may be used to describe serious, repeated or pervasive discrimination, which leads to significant harm or exclusion from mainstream opportunities, provision of poor standards of health care, and/or which represents a failure to protect or provide redress through the criminal or civil justice system. Possible Indicators of discriminatory abuse
Institutional AbuseInstitutional abuse happens when the rituals and routines in use, force residents or service users to sacrifice their own needs, wishes or preferred lifestyle to the needs of the institution or service provider. Abuse may be perpetrated by an individual or by a group of staff embroiled in the accepted custom, subculture and practice of the institution or service. Possible indicators of institutional abuse
Human Trafficking/Modern SlaveryHuman trafficking/modern slavery involves the acquisition and movement of people by improper means, such as force, threat or deception, for the purposes of exploiting them. It can take many forms, such as domestic servitude, forced criminality, forced labour, sexual exploitation and organ harvesting. Victims of human trafficking/ modern slavery can come from all walks of life; they can be male or female, children or adults, and they may come from migrant or indigenous communities. The response to adults at risk experiencing human trafficking/modern slavery will always be to report the incident to the Police Service. Hate CrimeHate crime is any incident which constitutes a criminal offence perceived by the victim or any other person as being motivated by prejudice, discrimination or hate towards a person’s actual or perceived race, religious belief, sexual orientation, disability, political opinion or gender identity. The response to adults at risk experiencing hate crime will usually be to report the incident to the Police Service. |