Types of abuse

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Type of abuse	Indicators	What you may notice
Physical abuse	Assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint, inappropriate physical sanctions, fabricated illness.	Aggressive or angry outbursts / Upset / Crying Bullying and intimidation Flinching Bruising, marks and other injuries
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.	Use of sexual language/sexualised behaviour inappropriate to a child(s) age Withdrawn/mood swings/crying/aggression Drug, alcohol and/or substance misuse Repeated Urinary infections and/or Sexually Transmitted Infections Pregnancy (where the ability to give consent may be in question)
Emotional or Psychological abuse	Threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber-bullying, or isolation.	Self-harm or mutilation Fear of parents/partner or carer being contacted Withdrawn Mood swings/crying
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.	Inappropriate clothing worn for the season/ill-fitting or dirty clothing Young children out in the street/park without adult supervision Personal hygiene needs not met
Financial or Material Abuse	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.	Very few possessions Depressed or overwhelmed Underweight Inappropriately dressed for the weather conditions
Discriminatory abuse	Harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, disability, sexual orientation or religion.	Hate crime Not meeting a person's needs e.g. if are deaf Anti-social behaviour or racist graffiti Criminal damage due to race, religion or gender
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.	Poor cleanliness, hygiene of both main areas and private areas of an establishment Strong smell of urine Routines of the establishment appear more important than wellbeing/dignity of residents
Self-Neglect	A wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one's personal hygiene, health or surroundings - also includes hoarding.	Poor personal hygiene Hoarding that is a fire risk and/or exits are blocked Property in a state of disrepair (not safe and open to the elements) Infestation of mice, cockroaches etc.
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.	Fear, denial, confusion, self-doubt Depression (all symptoms related to depression) Anxiety, panic attacks, agoraphobia Self medicating - alcohol, drugs, other substances Suicidal thoughts

Honour Based Abuse, Forced Marriage and Female Genital Mutilation

Modern Slavery & Human Trafficking

Sexual Violence