Act on adult abuse & neglect
Recognize abuse, neglect & self-neglect - Abuse
Abuse is the deliberate mistreatment of an adult that causes the adult:
- Physical abuse
- Mental or emotional abuse
- Financial or materials abuse
- Other abuse indicators
1. Possible indicators of physical abuse
Unwanted physical and/or sexual contact or acts of violence or rough treatment:
- bruises
- burns
- bumps
- falls
- cuts, lacerations
- fractures, broken bones
- marks
- infections
- internal injuries
- pain
- fearfulness
- bed sores
- scars
- punctured ear drums
- tenderness
- black eye
- broken teeth
- scratches
- bite marks
- confusion
- grip marks
- swelling
- torn, stained, bloody clothing
- difficulty walking or sitting
- hypothermia (lowered body temperature, blue lips, cold hands, shivering)
- Any unusual pattern or location of injury such as clustered bruises or welts, or bruising along the inner arm or thigh, or any other soft body parts such as abdomen, buttocks.
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
2. Possible indicators of mental or emotional abuse
Any behaviour which provokes fear of violence or isolation, emotional stress or mental anguish. Any behaviour which diminishes a person's sense of identity, dignity, or self-worth. This includes: threatening, name calling, humiliating, withholding affection, social isolation, removal of decision making rights, insulting, harassment, intimidation, and coercion.
- appears ashamed
- low self-esteem
- withdrawn, passive
- appears to recoil (flinching, cringing)
- fearful, anxious
- feels guilty without cause
- excluded from family gatherings
- loss of self determination
- does not make decisions
- "baby talk"
- depressed, hopeless, helpless
- agitated
- difficulty sleeping or needs excessive sleep
- tearfulness
- restricted access to: telephone, food, bathroom facilities, family, service providers...
- not permitted to have friends, visitors, go to church or outings
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
3. Possible indicators of financial or materials abuse
Any situation involving the dishonest or illegal use of an adult's personal money or property and/or possessions. This includes: - fraud, force, misrepresentation, theft, "conning", extortion, withholding, forced changes of will or property titles, misuse of power of attorney:
- signed over power of attorney against own will
- forced to change will or sell house
- used as a babysitter/house sitter
- inadequate living environment
- unable to afford social activities
- possessions disappear such as artwork, jewelry, furs, silverware, vehicles, equipment
- unexplained or sudden withdrawal of money from accounts
- unexplained or sudden inability to pay bills
- lack of money for food, appropriate clothing, glasses, hearing aid, cane or other walking aids, dentures, or other necessities when income appears potentially adequate
- indicates papers were signed but doesn't know what for
- rent or mortgage in arrears
- bills unpaid (particularly if paying these bills is the responsibility of the alleged abuser)
- pension cheque withheld
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
4. Other abuse indicators
In addition to the above mentioned indicators the abused adult may exhibit any of the following:
- history of repeated incidents of unexplained accidents or injuries
- medical history does not coincide with presenting injuries
- seek medical attention from a variety of doctors - "doctor shopping"
- postpone seeking medical attention
- frequent use of Emergency Department
- prolonged delay between time of injury and presentation for treatment
- has physical/mental limitations affecting ability for self-care
- gives information reluctantly: waits for caregiver to answer
- avoids physical, verbal, eye contact with caregiver or professional
- hesitant, inaudible, loud, rapid, slow speech
- agitated, anxious, excited, discouraged, fearful, humiliated, overly quiet, resigned, unresponsive, passive
- clenched hands
- rigid
- rocking
- suicidal thoughts or attempts
- crying
- complaints of insomnia
- cringing, flinching
- may indicate a fear of being left alone with the alleged abuser
- drug/alcohol abuse
If you recognize any of these indicators that are unexplained by the adult then you need to ACT! Report Abuse, Neglect and Self-Neglect.
