Types of abuse
If you think somebody is at immediate risk you should call Essex Police on 999
If you wish to discuss or report a concern, please visit our 'Help and support' page for a list of contact numbers and organisations who can help.
Type of abuse | Indicators | What you may notice |
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Physical abuse | Assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint, inappropriate physical sanctions, fabricated illness. |
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| Sexual abuse | Forcing or enticing a child, young person or adult with care and support needs to take part in sexual activities, whether or not they are aware of what is happening, to meet their own sexual needs. This can involve looking at pornographic materials or encouraging or engaging in sexually inappropriate behaviour. |
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Emotional or Psychological abuse | Threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber-bullying, or isolation. |
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Neglect and acts of omission | Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical and/or psychological needs, likely to result in the serious impairment of the health or, in the case of a child, development. |
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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, or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. |
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Discriminatory abuse | Harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or religion. |
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Organisational abuse | Neglect and poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting, i.e. hospital or care home, or in relation to care provided in someone's own home. |
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Self-Neglect | A wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health or surroundings - also includes hoarding. |
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| Stalking and Harassment | Persistent unwanted communications by telephone, letter, email, etc. sending or leaving unsolicited materials/gifts, graffiti, and/or messages on social networking sites or unwanted intrusions such as following, waiting for, spying on, approaching, accosting or going to a person's home. |
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