Any of the above forms of abuse can be deliberate, can be the result of either ignorance, or even lack of proper training, knowledge or understanding. Often if a person is being abused in one way they are also being abused in other ways.
Describe different indicators of abuse in vulnerable adults (P3)
The following lists are purely indicators of Abuse and Self Harm. The presence of one or more does
not necessarily confirm abuse. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t enquire. By confirming medical history or double checking reports/stories of how certain thinks were done, will help you find out if there was any abuse going on.
Physical Abuse is physical ill treatment of an adult, which may or may not cause physical injury. This includes pushing, shaking, pinching, slapping, punching and force-feeding. Physical abuse can occur in situations where people are caused unjustifiable physical discomfort.
Physical Abuse Indicators may include and not limited to the following and can apply to other forms of abuse, like sexual:
- Injuries that are not explained satisfactorily
- Person exhibiting untypical self harm
- Unexplained bruising to the face, torso, arms, back, thighs in various stages of healing, bruises that form regular patterns which may be the shape of an object or appears on several areas of the body
- Unexplained burns to unlikely areas of the body, for example, soles of the feet, palms of the hands and even burns from an electrical appliance
- Unexplained fractures at various stages of healing to any part of the body
- Unexplained cuts or scratches to mouth, lips or eyes
- Sudden or unexplained urinary and or faecal incontinence
- Evidence of over or under medication
- Person flinches at physical contact
- Person appears frightened or subdued in the presence of particular people
- Reluctance to undress or uncover parts of the body
Psychological/Emotional abuse may be intentional or unintentional. It can usually involve the use of intimidation, hostility, rejection, threats, humiliation, indifference, shouting, swearing or the use of discriminatory and or oppressive language.
Psychological/ Emotional Abuse Indicators may include and not limited to the followings:
- Untypical ambivalence, deference, resignation, becoming passive
- Person appears anxious or withdrawn, especially in the presence of the alleged perpetrator
- Person exhibits low self esteem
- Person rejects their own cultural background and even or racial origin
- Untypical changes in behaviour, for example, continence problems, sleep disturbance, depression or fear
- Person is not allowed visitors or phone calls
- Person locked in a room/in their home
- Person is denied access to aids or equipment, for example, glasses, hearing aid, crutches
- Person's access to personal hygiene and toilet is restricted
- Person's freedom of movement is restricted by use of furniture or other equipment
- Exposed to inappropriate stimulation
- Person feels isolated
