ABUSE & NEGLECT

Physical abuse - is use of physical force that may result in pain or injury this can range from poking, pushing, pulling hair and hitting this can be with hands or weapons there are many more forms of physical abuse.

When someone tells you that they are being abused you should always follow your company’s policies and procedures, listen and not to judge or asking leading and closed questions. Let the person tell you in their own words what has or is happening. Give reassurance to the individual and take the accusation seriously it may have taken the persons to build up a lot of confidence to speak out. Record it on the appropriate paper in the appropriate way and you should always date and sign the paperwork, if there are any witnesses then get them to also sign and date. If possible take pictures for evidence.

Abuse can happen anywhere anytime, but especially to vulnerable people, ie Children, elderly people, people with disabilities, people with learning difficulties. It can even happen in places people should be safe, ie hospitals, residential/ nursing homes, schools, daycare/ nurseries, centres etc.

Describe the actions to take in response to evidence or concerns that a child or young person has been abused, harmed (including self-harm) or bullied, or may be at risk of harm, abuse or bullying.

Emotional abuse – involves the persistent psychological mistreatment of a child and may include making the child feel inadequate, unloved or worthless, imposing inappropriate developmental expectations on a child, threatening, taunting or humiliating the child or exploiting or corrupting

* working with person centred values – these may include things that are specific to the individual, their rights and dignity should be respected at all times. Individuals have the values of any person in the world; rights, independence, privacy, dignity, choices for every aspect of life, partnership & individuality should all be respected in order for a person to have their own values met. If all these things are met for the individual, then the likelihood of abuse may be reduced due to the person being able to make his/her own decisions in everyday tasks E.G. choosing clothing/meals/activities. Each individual whether in care or not has the expectation to be listened to and their choices respected, if this is not done, then the

If this is a criminal matter i.e. an alleged assault, rape or indecent exposure, call the police, if a senior was not on duty/available to do so.

Do not clean up location of suspected abuse as this may disturb evidence. If appropriate and depending on nature of abuse, keep documentation safe e.g. bank statements if financial abuse suspected.

avoiding entering the area where the abuse is suspected to have happened to avoid contamination of any other

Abuse may be revealed in a number of different ways. For example you may find that someone wants to tell you about it because they trust you. Also it might be from someone who has observed the abuse taking place, e.g. resident seeing a care worker shaking another resident because they were too slow getting dressed. The abuse is disclosed to the professional, sometimes with a request for confidentiality.

Physical: Physical abuse is deliberate physical force that may result in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. Both old and young people can be physically abused.

In order to respond appropriately where abuse or neglect may be taking place, anyone in contact with the adult, whether in a voluntary or paid role, must understand their own role and responsibility and have access to practical and legal guidance, advice and support. This will include understanding local inter-agency policies and procedures. Your organisation’s policies and procedures or agreed ways of working will give you guidance on prevention and procedures to follow if and when abuse or neglect has happened or is suspected. Your manager or a senior member of staff should always be your point of contact for any questions or concerns you might have. A lot of organisations offer additional safeguarding training to raise awareness, explain

Those who are in an authoritative position over someone and in a position of care for example, family members, friends or professional health workers (such as a carer, staff member in a residential or nursing home or hospital), can put vulnerable people at risk of abuse. Because of the

Physical abuse is a deliberate use of physical force that results in bodily injury pain or impairments. Sgns of physical abuse can be burns and scalds, marks on the skin consistent with being slapped, scratched, bitten or pinched.Sexual abuse is direct or indirect involvementin sexual activity without valid consent. Signs of sexual abuse could be sexual transmitted disease,unexplained crying and distress or anxiety and fear of physical touch. Emotional/psycholoigical abuse is any action by another that damages an individuals mental wellbeing, signs of this is attention seeking behaviour,depression,low self-esteem and lack of self confidence.

Abuse can take place anywhere in different forms. It can take place at care homes, hospitals, schools or even at home. From the stranger to the family, friends and relatives – anyone can abuse.