Recognising Abuse and Neglect

People with care and support needs, such as older people or people with disabilities, are more likely to be abused or neglected. They may be seen as an easy target and may be less likely to identify abuse themselves or to report it. People with communication difficulties can be particularly at risk because they may not be able to alert others. Sometimes people may not even be aware that they are being abused, and this is especially likely if they have a cognitive impairment.  Abusers may try to prevent access to the person they abuse.

There are ten categories of abuse and neglect.  Signs of abuse can often be difficult to detect. Many types of abuse are also criminal offences and in circumstances where the abuse involves the commission of criminal offences the police must be informed.

For further information about types of Abuse and Neglect see SCIE types and indicators of abuse [external link]. 

Guidance on each of the Types of Abuse and Neglect are outlined below: