What is abuse?
Abuse can be:
- Physical: Hitting, slapping, kicking, misuse of medication, restraint, and force-feeding.
- Domestic violence: Psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional abuse, coercive control and ‘honour’ based violence,
- Financial or material: Theft, fraud, or using someone’s money, possessions, or property without consent.
- Psychological/emotional: Threats of harm, isolation, humiliation, blaming, controlling, intimidation, harassment, verbal abuse, threats, or bribes.
- Sexual: Sexual assault, rape, or sexual acts without consent, or under pressure.
- Neglect or acts of omission: Failing to provide care like food, clothing, medication, heating, cleanliness, hygiene, or denying religious or cultural needs.
- Discriminatory abuse: Racism, sexism, ageism, and discrimination based on disability or sexual orientation. Some of this can be hate crimes.
- Modern slavery: Slavery, human trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude.
- Self-neglect: Neglecting personal hygiene, health, or surroundings, including hoarding.
Who is most likely to be abused or neglected?
Children and adults with care and support needs are more likely to be at risk of abuse. Adults can be at risk because of a number of reasons. They may:
- be getting older.
- have a physical or learning disability, or have trouble seeing or hearing.
- not have enough support.
- have mental health problems.
- be socially isolated.
- live in inappropriate accommodation.
- misuse alcohol or drugs.
- have financial circumstances which make them higher risk.
Who abuses or neglects?
Anyone can behave in a way that is abusive, and the abuse can take place anywhere.
It might be someone you know, such as a carer, someone you share your home with, a family member, a stranger or it could be someone who works in health or social care.
How can I prevent mistreatment or neglect?
To avoid harm or neglect, you need to:
- Be aware of risks: Understand the risks in daily activities, joining groups, sharing personal information, and making decisions.
- Know your rights and support: Be aware of your rights and the support available to help you.
- Develop self-protection skills: Learn to keep yourself safe and reduce the chance of being exploited or neglected.
- Report concerns: Know who and where to report any concerns about mistreatment or neglect quickly.
STEP 1 – Recognise your vulnerability and protect your belongings and property
Belongings and property:
- Verify the identity of traders or utility workers.
- Avoid leaving money lying around.
- Use a spy hole on your door.
- Ensure smoke alarms are working.
- Secure windows and doors.
- Never share your PIN and check your bank balance regularly.
You as a person:
- Drink at least 2 litres of liquid daily.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Limit alcohol intake.
- Stay active with at least 30 minutes of moderate activity five days a week.
- Be assertive in expressing your needs and rights.
STEP 2 – Know your rights and support available
There are many laws to protect us, including the Mental Capacity Act (2005) Human Rights Act (1998), Data Protection Act 2018, Mental Health Act (1983 as amended 2007), and the Care Act 2014. You have the right to:
- State your needs and set priorities.
- Be treated with respect.
- Express your feelings and opinions.
- Say ‘NO’ or ‘YES’ for yourself.
- Ask for what you want.
- Make mistakes and change your mind.
- Ask for more information if you don’t understand.
- Decline responsibility for others’ problems.
- Deal with others without needing their approval.
Your Personal Space
You can choose who you spend time with. If you’re unsure about people coming into your home for care or services, you can ask the organization to stop sending them. If that doesn’t work, you can get help from others to stop them.
Hiring Tradespeople
Be cautious of uninvited traders who suggest work or services you need. This can be risky and expensive. Use TrustMark to find reliable tradespeople for home and garden jobs.
Healthcare
The NHS provides emergency, urgent, and routine care through hospitals, GPs, dentists, and community services. To stay healthy, take steps to avoid illness and promote a healthy lifestyle. If you have concerns about healthcare standards, contact the National Reporting and Learning Service or check the Sefton Clinical Commissioning Groups websites for complaint procedures.
Local Authorities
Local Authorities provide services like Care and Support and Community Safety. If you have concerns about care standards, policing, or community safety, report them. If you’re not satisfied with the response, you can make a complaint.
STEP 3 – Empower Yourself
Court of Protection (CoP)
The CoP handles issues for people who can’t make specific decisions. It makes decisions and appoints deputies to act in the best interests of those lacking capacity. You can choose now who you want to make decisions for you if you lose capacity in the future. The court’s work includes:
- Its powers.
- Fees.
- Making applications.
- Appointing deputies.
- Reaching decisions.
Citizen’s Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau offers free, independent, and confidential advice on legal, money, and other problems, and influences policymakers.
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
The CQC regulates care provided by the NHS, local authorities, private companies, and voluntary organizations. They ensure better care in hospitals, care homes, and people’s homes, and protect the rights of those under the Mental Health Act.