Abuse is about the misuse of the power and control that one person has over another.
In deciding whether or not abuse has taken place, it is important to remember that intent is not the issue. The definition of abuse is not based on whether the abuser intended harm to be caused, but rather on whether harm was caused, and on the impact of the harm (or risk of harm) on the individual.
Who is an adult at risk
An adult at risk is a person aged 18 or over who is in need of care and support, and because of those needs is unable to protect themselves against abuse or neglect.
Types of abuse
The Care Act guidance defines the types of abuse as:
- physical abuse – including assault, hitting, slapping, pushing, misuse of medication, restraint or inappropriate physical sanctions
- domestic violence – including psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse and so called "honour" based violence
- sexual abuse – including rape, indecent exposure, sexual harassment, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual teasing or innuendo, sexual photography, subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts, indecent exposure and sexual assault or sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting
- psychological abuse – including emotional abuse, threats of harm or abandonment, deprivation of contact, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, harassment, verbal abuse, cyber bullying, isolation or unreasonable and unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks
- financial or material abuse – including 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 the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. View the financial abuse and scams presentation to learn more
- modern slavery – encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude
- discriminatory abuse – including forms of harassment, slurs or similar treatment because of race, gender and gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation or religion
- organisational abuse – including neglect and poor care practice within an institution care setting such as a hospital or care home, or in one’s own home
- neglect and acts of omission – including ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs, failure to provide access to appropriate health, care and support or educational services, the withholding of the necessities of life, such as medication, adequate nutrition and heating
- self-neglect – this covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for one’s personal hygiene, health or surroundings and includes behaviour such as hoarding
For information on domestic violence, see the domestic violence section.
How can you tell someone is being abused?
Some people may not realise they are being abused. Often the person being harmed is not able to say what is happening to them. Warning signs that you can look for include:
- bruises, falls and injuries
- signs of neglect such as clothes being dirty
- poor care either at home or in a residential or nursing home or hospital
- changes in someone’s financial situation
- changes in behaviour such as loss of confidence or nervousness
- isolation
- being withdrawn
Where abuse occurs
Abuse can occur in:
- your own home, living alone or with a relative
- someone else’s house
- a nursing home
- a residential care home
- hospital
- a day care centre
- a custodial situation
- other places assumed as being safe
- public places
Who can the abuser be?
Vulnerable adults may be abused by:
- relatives and family members
- professional staff
- paid care workers
- volunteers
- other service users
- neighbours
- friends and associates
- people who deliberately exploit vulnerable people
- strangers