Abuse can take many forms and it is important to recognise the signs.

Domestic abuse can include, but is not limited to, the following:

• Coercive control (a pattern of intimidation, degradation, isolation and control with the use or threat of physical or sexual violence)
• Psychological and/or emotional abuse
• Physical or sexual abuse
• Financial or economic abuse
• Harassment and stalking

Physical Abuse

Any physical pain, suffering or injury which is inflicted by a person who has responsibility, charge, care or custody of, or who has a position of or expectation of trust to an individual, constitutes physical abuse. This includes but is not limited to assault, physical restraint, hitting, slapping, burning, pushing, kicking, misuse of medication, rough handling, deprivation of care and necessities. 

Physical abuse can also include situations where people are caused unreasonable physical discomfort through the deliberate withholding of care, or the application of inappropriate techniques or treatments. Deprivation of food and water and involuntary isolation and confinement i.e. vulnerable adult is locked in their room and not allowed visitors or being subject to inappropriate drugs or the deprivation of prescribed drugs. An overlap with neglect can be a feature of physical abuse.

Psychological or Emotional Abuse

Psychological abuse or emotional abuse is one of the most common types of abuse. It constitutes any behaviour by another that results in psychological harm to an individual constitutes this type of abuse. It invariably involves identifying something - a person or an object - that matters to an individual and then threatening to endanger it unless the individual complies with demands. The most common examples are threatening access to or denying access to family visits. 

Psychological abuse does not usually occur in isolation and often it is linked to financial abuse.  

Psychological abuse includes but is not limited to: harassing, ignoring, blaming, humiliating, threatening harm or abandonment, contact deprivation, controlling, intimidation, harassment, coercion, verbal abuse/insults, racial slurs, lack of privacy, lack of respect of cultural diversity, or denial of dignity.

Financial or Material Abuse

This involves the individual’s or familial resources being inappropriately used or manipulated to the advantage of another person. 

It includes the withholding of money or inappropriate / unauthorised use of a person’s money or property to the disadvantage of the adult to whom it belongs. It can include, but is not limited to, theft, fraud, forgery, embezzlement, exploitation, misuse of funds / property / possessions. 

Sexual Abuse

Any sexual act that a person takes part or is forced to take part in without their informed consent constitutes sexual abuse. It includes but is not limited to rape, sexual harassment, fondling, inappropriate touching, use of sexual or offensive language. Consent can also be withdrawn at any time.

All forms of abuse are unacceptable and you should seek immediate support if you recognise any of the above in your personal circumstances.