Definition of Abuse

Abuse is a violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other person or persons and may be:

Abuse is about the misuse of power and control that one person has over another. Where there is dependency, there is a possibility of abuse or neglect unless adequate safeguards are put in place. Intent is not an issue at the point of deciding whether an act or a failure to act is abuse; it is the impact of the act on the person and the harm or risk of harm to that individual.

People may report abuse to you in many ways, for example:

• They may tell you;
• Another person who knows them may tell you; this may be a family member, colleague or member of the public;
• You may see something such as a bruise or other mark, or notice a change in the person's behaviour.

Abuse can happen anywhere, for example:

• At home;
• In a care home, hospital or day service;
• At work or college; or
• In a public place or in the community.

Abuse can be caused by anyone, for example:

• A partner, informal carer, relative, child, neighbour or friend;
• A health, social-care or other worker, whether they are paid or a volunteer;
• A stranger; or
• An adult with care and support needs;
• Another Adult at Risk.