How to spot signs of abuse

People can be vulnerable for lots of different reasons. They may:

• be elderly or have dementia
• have a learning, physical or sensory difficulty
• have a mental health problem
• be ill and needing help temporarily

This could make them vulnerable to abuse.

Abuse can take place in any setting and can be carried out by anyone. It happens to people in all sections of society. Abuse is everyone’s business - you could be a neighbour, friend, relative or passer-by of someone being abused. You may feel that there is a situation in your life with which you are not comfortable; this could be a form of abuse.

Types of abuse

So how would you know whether you are being abused or not?  How can you spot if someone else is being abused?  There are various forms of abuse, which for some people could seem like normal daily life.

Here are some examples of different types of abuse:

Physical Abuse: hitting, pushing, pulling hair, inappropriate use of medication or use of restraint.

Sexual Abuse: rape, sexual assault, being forced to look at sexual images or any sexual activity that isn’t freely consensual.

Emotional Abuse: name calling, bullying, being shouted at, threats, intimidation and coercion.

Financial Abuse: theft, fraud, being forced to pay for other people’s things, not being allowed access or control of your money or being pressured in connection with your will or property.

Neglect: ignoring medical needs, not providing personal care or withholding necessities such as food, medication or heating.

Discrimination: this includes all forms of harassment, bullying or name calling based on a person’s disability, ethnic origin, sexuality, or gender. This is sometimes called a hate crime.

Institutional Abuse: This can include repeated instances of poor care or ill-treatment of vulnerable adults in a paid and/or regulated care setting. 

What to do if you have concerns

If you are worried that abuse is happening to you or someone else, tell someone.

If you or the person is in immediate danger you should call 999.

You can contact Careline on: 0800 137915 or safeguardingadults@buckscc.gov.uk 
Outside office hours: 01494 675802

Your local police station: 08458 505 505

Who to contact if you are a professional
 

For more information call 01296 382178 or email safeguardingadults@buckscc.gov.uk