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Vulnerable adults

Forms of abuse

Forms of abuse can include:

• Physical abuse such as: hitting, pushing, pinching, shaking, misuse of medication, scalding, inappropriate restraint, hair-pulling.

• Sexual abuse such as: rape or sexual assault; sexual acts to which the vulnerable adult has not or could not have consented, or to which they were pressurised into consenting.

• Physiological or emotional abuse such as: threats of harm or abandonment; deprivation of social or any other form of contact; humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, coercion, or harassment; verbal abuse; prevention from receiving services or support.

• Financial or material abuse such as: theft; fraud or exploitation; pressure in connection with wills, property, or inheritance; misuse of property, possessions or benefits.

• Neglect or acts of omission such as: ignoring medical or physical care needs; preventing access to health, social care, or educational services; withholding the necessities of life, such as food, drink, or heating.

• Discriminatory abuse such as that based upon a person's race, sexuality, or disability; any other forms of harassment or slurs.

• Domestic violence - all forms of abuse can be experienced in a family setting by a partner, family member, or with someone with whom there is a relationship. See Domestic violence .

• Institutional abuse and poor practice - disrespect and unethical practice, ill treatment and professional misconduct.

Any of these forms of abuse can be deliberate, or be the result of either ignorance, or lack of training, knowledge or understanding. Often if a person is being abused in one way they are also being abused in other ways.

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