What is adult abuse?

In this section:

• What is abuse?
• Who is at risk of abuse?
• Who causes abuse?
• Spotting the signs of abuse
• Who to contact for help
• What if the abuse is also a crime?
• What can I do if I am not happy with how my concerns have been handled?

Abuse can be a deliberate act or due to ignorance, as a result of lack of training, knowledge and understanding.

Abusers can be anyone, including family or friends, paid or voluntary members of staff, or carers in any setting.

Forms of abuse or mistreatment include:

Physical:

• Hurting or injuring someone. For example, hitting, slapping, shaking, pushing, punching or pinching
• Inappropriate administration of medication.

Psychological abuse:

• Harassment or intimidation. For example, blaming, bullying and controlling someone

Discriminatory

• Any form of abuse, particularly motivated by age, race, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, class, culture or language

Financial:

• Using a person's property, money or any resources without informed consent or authorisation.

Neglect

• Withholding someone's basic needs such as food, drink, medication, heat and clothing
• Failing to provide access to health, social and community services.

Sexual

• Rape, sexual assault
• Pressurising someone into sexual acts they don't understand or feel powerless to refuse.

Institutional

• Repeated incidents of poor practice or care that are continually unaddressed.
• Threats of harm or abandonment

An adult aged 18 years or over 'who is or may be in need of community care services by reason of mental or other disability, age or illness; and who is or may be unable to take care of him or herself, or unable to protect him or herself against significant harm or exploitation' (Department of Health, 2000).

An adult at risk of abuse may therefore be a person who:

• Is elderly and frail due to ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment
• Has a learning disability
• Has a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment
• Has mental health needs including dementia or a personality disorder
• Has a long-term illness
• Misuses substances or alcohol
• Is a carer such as a family member/friend who provides personal assistance and care to adults and is subject to abuse
• Is unable to demonstrate the capacity to make a decision and is in need of care and support

(This list is not exhaustive.)

Abuse can happen anywhere and it can be carried out by anyone.

There are many possible signs that an adult may be being abused. Some of the most common signs include:

• Not having enough money to cover bills, food and other living expenses
• Unexplained marks, bruises or injuries 
• Not wanting to be left alone or with a particular person
• Unusual difficulty with finances
• Being unusually light-hearted and insisting that there is nothing wrong
• Changes in behaviour, such as becoming withdrawn, aggressive, depressed or angry for no obvious reason.

If you think someone is being abused or someone is abusing you, you can:

• Talk to someone you trust
• Contact Southwark Adult Social Care customer service centre on 0845 600 1287
• Contact the out of hours team: 020 7525 5000 (Weekdays: 5pm to 9am. Weekends and bank holidays: 24 hours)

In an emergency always dial 999.

If you are reporting abuse, it is helpful if you can provide your name to enable further contact. You can also report suspected abuse and not disclose your identity should you wish.

If the abuse is also a crime, such as physical assault, rape or theft, you should inform the police.

• Dial 101 to speak to your local police station in a non-emergency

If you are not happy with how your concerns have been handled, you can:

• Speak to any member of staff
• Telephone the customer service centre and tell them you wish to make a complaint: 020 752 5000
• Send an online complaints form