The 10 main types of abuse are:

Physical Abuse

Includes:

• -hitting (with or without an implement)
• -slapping
• -pushing or kicking
• -misuse of or withholding medication
• -assault and inappropriate physical sanctions. 

It can also include incorrect use of restrictive practices. 

Sexual Abuse

Includes:

• -unwanted advances
• -indecent exposure or harassment
• -rough washing or touching of the genital area
• -rape
• -being forced to watch or participate in sexual acts
• -sexual pornography
• -sexual teasing or innuendo
• -sexual assault 
• 
  Or any sexual act to which the adult did not consent or was pressured into consenting. 

Psychological/Emotional Abuse

Includes:

• -emotional abuse
• -intimidation
• -not being included
• -being ignored
• -threats of harm or abandonment
• -bullying
• -humiliation and blaming
• -coercion
• -harassment
• -verbal abuse
• -cyber bullying 
• -unjustified withdrawal of services or supportive networks

It can also include inappropriate uses of restrictive practices

Discriminatory Abuse

Includes forms of harassment, slurs or similar poor treatment that relates to a person’s:

• -values
• -age
• -race
• -gender (including gender reassignment)
• -sexuality
• -marital or civil partnership status
• -culture
• -religion (or similar beliefs)
• -language
• -ethnic origin
• -class
• -disability
• -pregnancy or maternity

Neglect and Acts of Omission

Includes the inadequate care or denial of an individual’s basic rights such as:

• • -medication
  • -adequate nutrition and heating
  • -ignoring medical, emotional or physical care needs
  • -failure to provide access to appropriate health, -care and support or educational services
  • -withholding of the necessities of life.

Self-Neglect

Involves individuals not eating, washing or dressing properly. Generally not looking after themselves, their health or surroundings; includes behaviour such as hoarding.

Domestic Abuse

Includes physical, sexual, financial, emotional/psychological abuse and so-called ‘honour’ based violence.

Organisational Abuse

Neglect or poor professional practice can be a result of poor management or the inadequate structure, policies, processes and practices within an organisation. This can be applied to care provided in residential care homes, day centres, hospitals or in an individual’s own home. 

• • Examples are:

    • -Food choices not provided for individuals with different dietary needs or requirements. 

    • -Rooms and clothing not being kept clean. 

       - It may be a one-off incident or it could be ongoing ill treatment.

Financial or Material Abuse

• • Includes theft, fraud, internet scamming, using an individual’s money, property, possessions or benefits without their permission. This includes:

    • not giving correct change
    • taking store card points
    • taking the free items of ‘buy one get one free’
    • not giving individuals enough money for food and essential items.

    It also includes 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.

Modern Slavery

• • Includes human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude and slavery. Forcing individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.

    Radicalisation is not defined as a category of abuse but it is recognised to be comparable to other forms or exploitation, such as grooming and sexual exploitation.

    Radicalisation is the process by which a person is:

    • Persuaded to hold extremist views, and
    • Recruited into extremist groups

    Radicalisation can be both violent and non-violent. It can occur over a long time, during religious or group meetings, within family settings or more typically through social media and internet chat rooms.

    De-radicalisation refers to preventative counter terrorism measures that aim to have those with extreme and violent religious or political ideologies to adopt more moderate and non-violent views.

    Prevent is part of the UK Government’s counter terrorism strategy CONTEST. Its purpose is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism.  PREVENT aims to provide support and re-direction to vulnerable individuals at risk or being groomed into terrorist activity before any crimes are committed.