If you require assistance or would like to talk to a trained professional about the issues described in this paper, please call Kids Helpline on 55 or Lifeline on 13 11 Experiencing abuse and neglect in childhood can lead to adverse outcomes in adulthood. The purpose of this resource is to indicate the potential long-term effects of child abuse and neglect that may extend into adulthood. Child abuse and neglect refers to any behaviour by parents, caregivers, other adults or older adolescents that is outside the norms of conduct and entails a substantial risk of causing physical or emotional harm to a child or young person. Such behaviours may be intentional or unintentional and can include acts of omission i. The five main subtypes of child abuse and neglect are physical abuse, emotional maltreatment, neglect, sexual abuse and witnessing family violence.
AIFS Secondary links
In Physical Abuse
Back to Help from social services and charities. Abuse and neglect can occur anywhere: in your own home or a public place, while you are in hospital or attending a day centre, or in a college or care home. You may be living alone or with others. The person causing the harm may be a stranger but, more often than not, you'll know and feel safe with them.
Forms and Signs of Abuse and Neglect
Therefore, it is very important to recognize changes in behavior or health particularly those not typically associated with the individual's disability as potential abuse indicators. It is also important to note that there is no universal response to abuse or neglect. Above all else, be mindful that any sudden change in the physical, behavioral, or financial status of someone with a developmental disability may be the result of past or ongoing incidences of abuse, neglect or exploitation. While each victim of abuse, neglect, or exploitation will respond differently, the available research data reveals that the presence of certain physical and behavioral indicators described in greater detail below are highly correlated with abusive situations and environments. Some indicators are obvious signs of abuse. Other indicators are subtle, requiring careful observation. In some situations abuse may not be occurring at all. It is important to think about the person and any health or behavioral issues they have. Some people may get injured more easily due to health reasons or aging. For example, some medications and some health problems like hemophilia where the blood clots slowly can cause easy bruising.
Skip to content. Abuse, exploitation or neglect of adults at risk can happen in different ways. If you suspect someone is at risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect contact the Adult Protection Gateway Service. You can also tell the police. An adult at risk of harm is a person aged 18 or over, whose exposure to harm through abuse, exploitation or neglect may be increased by their personal characteristics or life circumstances. It is abuse when someone misuses their power or control over another person, causing harm or distress. The abuser could be in a close relationship with the adult at risk. They could be someone the adult at risk depends on and trusts. If you suspect abuse, exploitation or neglect, it is important that you report your concerns to the Adult Protection Gateway Service at your local Health and Social Care Trust or the police. Physical abuse is physical force or mistreatment of one person by another which might or might not cause physical injury.
