Skip to main content

Types of abuse

1. Introduction

This document is a best practice reference document for use by those in the Church who have a role with children, young people and adults.

It contains information about the types of abuse which can occur and how to recognise them, including physical signs and symptoms as well as behavioural changes that you might observe. Bear in mind that children, young people and adults may be subject to one type of abuse or a combination of types of abuse. It is informed by the definitions available in Working Together 2018 and the Care Act 2014.

The lists of signs and symptoms below are not exhaustive – there may be other signs or symptoms which are not listed below which could be indicators of abuse. Similarly, some of these signs and symptoms will not always be indicators of abuse. The following lists under each category of abuse contain examples of possible indicators. The presence of one or more of these signs or symptoms does not necessarily confirm abuse.

Please note that many types of abuse are also criminal offences and should be treated as such.

2. Children

2.1. Physical abuse

Physical abuse may or may not cause injury and includes physical ill treatment, causing unjustifiable physical discomfort, for example injury, pain or impairment.

Abusive Actions Signs and Symptoms
    Hitting
      Cuts, lacerations, puncture wounds, open wounds, bruising, welts, black eyes, burns, bite marks, broken bones and skull fractures
        Slapping
          Untreated injuries in various stages of healing or not properly treated
          Kicking Poor skin condition or poor skin hygiene
          Shaking Dehydration and/or malnourishment without an illness-related cause
          Inappropriate restraint Loss of weight
          Withholding or misuse of medication Soiled clothing or bedding
          Squeezing Broken eyeglasses or frames
          Biting Physical signs of being subjected to punishment or signs of being restrained
          Suffocating Inappropriate use of medication, overdosing or under dosing
          Poisoning Cowering and flinching
          Drowning Emotional distress, low self-esteem, untypical self-harm
          Killing Telling you they have been hit, slapped or mistreated
          Physical abuse may also be caused when a parent or carer fabricates symptoms of, or deliberately induces, illness in a child. This is called Fabricated or Induced Illness. Aggressive behaviour or severe temper outbursts
          Involuntary isolation or confinement Reluctance to get changed, for example in hot weather
          Inappropriate application of techniques or treatments Depression
            Withdrawn behaviour
           

          Remember: most children will collect cuts and bruises as part of the rough-and-tumble of daily life.
          However, important indicators of physical abuse are bruises or injuries that are either unexplained or inconsistent with the explanation given, or visible on the ‘soft’ parts of the body where accidental injuries are unlikely, e.g. cheeks, abdomen, back and buttocks.

          A delay in seeking medical treatment when it is obviously necessary is also a cause for concern.

          Children may also display:

          • Fear of parents being approached for an explanation
          • Running away from home

          2.2. Sexual abuse

          2.3. Neglect

          2.4. Emotional abuse

          2.5. Domestic abuse

          2.6. Bullying and cyber-bullying

           

          3. Adults

          3.1. Physical abuse

          3.2. Sexual abuse

          3.3. Psychological abuse

          3.4. Financial/material abuse

          3.5. Modern slavery

          3.6. Discriminatory abuse

          3.7. Domestic abuse

          3.8. Organisational or Institutional Abuse

          3.9. Neglect and acts of omission

          3.10. Self-neglect

          4. Additional vulnerabilities

          4.1. Additional Signs and Symptoms of Abuse

          5. Additional Specialist Guidance

          5.1. Complex abuse

          5.2. Honour based violence or abuse 6

          5.3. Forced marriage

          5.4. Female genital mutilation

          5.5. Spiritual abuse 9

           

           

          Back to top