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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

A sexual act carried out without the informed consent (see below) of the other individual is abuse. Such behaviour includes contact and non-contact abuse.

Contact abuse may include rape, indecent assault, being forced to touch another person, sexual intercourse or being pressurised into consenting to sexual acts.

It is also important to remember that it is not just adult men who sexually abuse children – there are increasing numbers of allegations of sexual abuse of children against women and sexual abuse can also be perpetrated by other children or young people.

Abusive Actions Signs and Symptoms Rape Bruises around the breasts or genital areas

Sexual assault

Unexplained STI or genital infections Kissing Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding Fondling/caressing Vaginal discharge or infection Involving children in looking at, or in the production of, sexual images, watching sexual activities Torn, stained or bloody underclothing Downloading child abuse images The child telling you they have been sexually assaulted or raped Encouraging children to behave in sexually inappropriate ways Pain or itching in the genital area Sending sexualised texts and emails and transmitting sexually explicit images through social media Sexually transmitted disease Grooming Stomach pains or discomfort when walking or sitting down   Pregnancy  

Changes in behaviour which can also indicate sexual abuse include:

 

    Sudden or unexplained changes in behaviour e.g. becoming aggressive or withdrawn Fear of being left with a specific person or group of people Having nightmares Running away from home Sexual knowledge which is beyond their age, or developmental level Sexual drawings or language Bedwetting Eating problems such as overeating or anorexia Self-harm, suicidal thoughts, suicide attempts; Substance abuse Suddenly having unexplained sources of money Not allowed to have friends (particularly in adolescence) Acting in a sexually explicit way, specifically children towards adults

    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

     

     

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