With all types of abuse, it is essential to look for possible indicators or abnormal and different behaviour.
If a person is worried or has been abused, they are likely to behave differently to how they would normally behave. This is why it is useful to know or have information about how individuals normally behave so you can identify when something might not be right.
As you build relationships and knowledge in your role, the possible indicators associated with abuse will become more noticeable. In order to recognise and respond to abuse and neglect, you have to know these and take notice of them.
- bruises.
- scratches.
- cuts.
- fractures.
- broken bones.
- broken teeth.
- loss of clumps of hair.
- bites.
- burns or scald marks.
- not being given medication or being forced to take medication.
- Bruises, pain and soreness around genital area and breast area.
- Individual becomes particular about washing genital area or wanting to hide themselves.
- Torn, stained or bloody underwear.
- Pain and discomfort when walking or sitting.
- Loss of sleep.
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour.
- Sexually transmitted diseases.
- Unexplained pregnancy.
- A preoccupation with anything sexual.
- Unexpected or unexplained change in behaviour or moods.
- Talking a lot and very fast or being unusually quiet.
- Appearing afraid or worried.
- Being concerned that care and support may not continue.
- Fear.
- Depression.
- Confusion.
- Loss of sleep.
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
- Malnutrition
- Untreated medical problems
- Bed sores
- Dirty clothing and bedding
- Confusion
- Over-sedation
- Lack of food/meals.
Any of the above indicators could be neglect or lead to neglect by others if left and not resolved.
If you do not take action to report or resolve a situation where you believe abuse is taking or has taken place, you could be accused of neglect.
- Shortage of money.
- Reluctance to pay for things.
- Complaining about price increases.
- Unusual interest or lack of interest in their personal finances.
- Unexplained withdrawals from the bank.
- Unusual activity in the bank accounts.
- Unpaid bills.
- Race
- Age
- Sex
- Disability
- Marital status
- Sexual orientation
- Religion or belief
- Gender reassignment
- Pregnancy/maternity status.
It could be that the person is being ignored because of these elements. It may also include:
- Poor service which does not meet the individual’s needs.
- Verbal abuse and disrespect.
- Exclusion of people from activities and/or services.
- Individuals not eating properly/lack of consideration of dietary requirements.
- Individuals not dressing appropriately.
- Individuals not participating and staying in their rooms.
- Individuals not getting required attention and support.
- Complaints from residents or family members.
- Dirty rooms and communal areas.
- Health and safety being ignored
- Inflexible and non-negotiable systems and routines.
- Name calling (inappropriate ways of addressing people)
- Lack of adequate physical care resulting in individual’s unkempt appearance.
- Lack of staff learning, development and support.
Their partner may belittle them, trying to control them which results in feelings of self-loathing, helplessness and desperation. Abusers use fear, guilt, shame and intimidation to wear their partner down and keep them under their control.
Although physical abuse is more likely to be seen, emotional or psychological abuse is not. Within domestic abuse both can be present but not exhibited.
- Look malnourished or unkempt.
- Appear withdrawn.
- Keep themselves to themselves.
- Rarely interact or appear unfamiliar with their neighbourhood or where they work.
- They may have poor living conditions, few or no personal possessions and always wear the same clothes day in day out.
- They may be dropped off / collected for work on a regular basis either very early or late at night.
- Reluctance to seek help.
- Avoid eye contact and appear frightened or hesitant to talk to strangers.
- Afraid of law enforcers.
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Class Sessions
1- 1. Explain the term “safeguarding adults”
2- 2. Explain your own role and responsibilities in safeguarding individuals
3- 3. List the main types of abuse
4- 4. Describe what constitutes harm
5- 5. Explain why an individual may be vulnerable to harm or abuse
6- 6. Describe what constitutes restrictive practices
7- 7. List the possible indicators of abuse
8- 8. Describe the nature and scope of harm and abuse of adults at risk
9- 9. List a range of factors which have featured in adult abuse and neglect
10- 10. Demonstrate the importance of ensuring individuals are treated with dignity and respect
11- 11. Describe where to get information and advice about your role and responsibilities
12- 12. Describe how care environments can promote or undermine people’s dignity and rights
13- 13. Explain the importance of individualised, person-centred care
14- 14. Explain how to apply the basic principles of helping people to keep themselves safe
15- 15. Explain the local arrangements for implementation of multi-agency Safeguarding Boards
16- 16. List ways in which the likelihood of abuse can be reduced by managing risk
17- 17. Explain how a clear complaints procedure can reduce the likelihood of abuse
18- 18. Explain what to do if abuse of an adult is suspected, including how to raise concerns
19- 19. List relevant legislation, local and national policies and procedures
20- 20. Explain the importance of sharing information with the relevant agencies
21- 21. Describe the actions to take if you experience barriers in alerting or referring