Indicators of Abuse
Physical Abuse
Some common indicators of Physical abuse are unexplained visual markings such as bruising, burn marks or other injuries, especially around areas that are well protected such as the inside of the upper arms or upper legs. These injuries, where abuse suspected, will often be persistent or commonly reoccurring. There may also be behavioural changes such as unexplained fear, inconsistent reasons, aggression, depression or poor concentration.
Sexual Abuse
Some common indicators of Sexual Abuse are unexplained bruising around breasts or genitals, unexplained sexually transmitted diseases infections, unexplained bleeding or torn or stained clothing. There may also be behavioural changes such as excessive dependence, loss of appetite, increased interest of sexual activities, wearing excessive or revealing clothing or hostility to those of the opposite sex.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse
Some common indicators of Psychological Abuse are unexplained anxiety, confusion or sadness, a loss of self-confidence and self-isolation from others. Psychological Abuse is often accompanied by many behavioural changes such as poor social skills, suicidal tendencies, excessive behaviour, withdrawal and undue compliance. Psychological Abuse can also often lead to the individual resorting to self-harm as a coping mechanism.
Exploitation
Some common indicators of Exploitation are the individual’s unexplained inability to account for possessions, funds and assets and the inability to cover the costs of basic living essentials and bills. The individual may show some behavioural changes such as confusion over their financial situation, unexplained weight changes and withdrawal from society if accompanied with other forms of abuse such as emotional and psychological abuse.
Discriminatory Abuse
Some common indicators of Discriminatory Abuse are when an individual withdraws from a specific group of people, typically showing signs of distress, Fear or anxiety, a loss of self-esteem and expressions of anger or frustration towards a service or group of people
Institutional Abuse and Neglect
Some common indicators of Institutional Abuse and Neglect are poor living environments often with inadequate heating, lighting, food, fluids, medication and medical care, refusal to provide access to other Health and Social Care Practitioners and Visitors, Poor condition of equipment such as; beds, hoists and bathing facilities, Unexplained Weight Loss and soiled clothing.
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The causes of Abusive Situations, The Immediate Impact of Abusive Situations and the Long-Term Effects of Abusive Situations
Physical Abuse
One of the main factors that can lead to a Physicaly Abusive situation is the aggressor possesses personality traits that make them prone to sudden bursts of anger, poor impulse control, jealousy and poor self-esteem. This can often lead to the aggressor attempting to force another individual into a position where they are “worse off” or less powerful in order to feel some form of control. Another factor that can lead to Physically Abusive situations is mental illness. There are several personality disorders such as schizophrenia and bi-polar that can lead to unintentional physical abuse. Other mental illnesses such as alcohol and drug dependence can have a strong influence on the individual’s behaviour which in some cases can make the individual unstable, unpredictable and aggressive. The major Short-Term effects of Physical Abuse are the Physical Injuries on the victim’s body which can put the individual into a critical health state where their life may be in danger in the worst cases. The individual may go through an identity crisis due to the fact they may feel Physically Repulsed by their appearance. Often the individual will feel lost and confused as they try to figure out why the abuse has occurred and may even blame themselves causing the individual to enter a state of despair. The Longer-Term effects of Physical Abuse often include loss of self-esteem and trust in others, persistent anxiety and fear around their aggressor often leading to social withdrawal. Another issue that can stem from Physical Abuse is Depression which can often lead to obsessive or compulsive behaviours, eating disorders, sexual issues and substance misuse.
Sexual Abuse
One factor that can lead to a Sexually Abusive situation is the social isolation of the individual. If the individual has grown up with limited supervision, sexually abusive role models or has socially distanced themselves from society they may feel the need to obtain intimacy through extreme means such as sexual abuse. Another factor that can lead to sexual abuse is a sexually dysfunctional relationship which the aggressor may believe the only way to rectify is to be intimate which, if the partner does not want, could easily become sexually abusive.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse
One factor that can lead to Psychological and Emotional Abuse is the absence of supportive skills which can lead to unintentional abuse as the individual does not know how to correctly support the individuals’ psychological and emotional needs. Another factor that can lead to Psychological and Emotional Abuse is the individual has unreachable expectations of the individual which can lead to their responses being degrading and emotionally harmful.
Exploitation
One factor that can lead to Exploitation is an individual confides in an aggressor feelings of Social Exclusion, Depravity or Mental Health issues which can empower the aggressor to misuse the information entrusted to them. This can lead to the aggressor blackmailing the individual in order to feel more powerful or gain further benefits
Discriminatory Abuse
One factor that can lead to Discriminatory Abuse is the individual is perceived by others to be unusual, offensive, abusive or aggressive due to their use of a non-domestic language which can lead to communication difficulties and aggressors misunderstanding the individual and making opinions. Another factor that can lead to Discriminatory Abuse is the aggressor lacks understanding of the person’s existing condition or needs which can lead them to form a negative opinion of that person and their disability. The short-term effects of Discriminatory Abuse could include injuries sustained from physical attacks due to their differences, social isolation and anxiety when meeting new people due to previous experiences, shame, guilt and embarrassment due to their differences. The long-term effects that Discriminatory Abuse can influence include the individual discriminating against specific groups of individuals as during their previous experiences they have been abused by similar individuals, A lack of trust in others due to the treatment they have received from others, the individual may feel a strong fear for their safety due to their differences which can lead to further despair, depression, isolation, self-neglect and anxiety.
Institutional Abuse and Neglect
One factor that can lead to Institutional Abuse is that the employee is over-stretched and must approach their workload in a methodical manner in order to ensure they do not become overburdened. Another factor that can lead to Institutional Abuse is that the employee is inadequately trained or does not possess enough experience to correctly meet the requirements of a service user. Another factor that can lead to Institutional Abuse is that the employee has conflicting priorities from the management, third party services, such as doctors and social workers, and the service user’s family.
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http://www.amnesty.org/en/discrimination accessed 10 December 2012 accessed 10 December 2012
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http://www.microsites.essexcc.gov.uk accessed 10 December 2012
Liam Dolman - 236687
