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Types of abuse in adults

Urgent concern

If you think someone is in immediate danger, the best thing to do is call 999 for the emergency services.

If they are not in immediate danger, report your concern to us.

Abuse can happen anywhere and by anyone. Whether it's something big that's happening now, or small acts that build up over a long time, it's still abuse.

There are 10 main categories of abuse. Read about them below, or get an easy read version (PDF, 964.6 KB).

Abuse can happen at a hospital or at a care home. It may involve physical violence, a one-off incident, or can be connected to the removal of something we all take for granted.

Some examples are:

  • lack of choice (heating, lighting or food)
  • lack of personal clothing or possessions
  • abuse (physical, financial or verbal)
  • confinement, restraint or restriction
  • an unhygienic environment
  • no respect towards someone's religion, belief or culture
  • being treated like a child
  • inappropriate use of power or control over someone.

If you are concerned about someone suffering from abuse in hospital or in a care home, let us know.

Discriminatory abuse can also be known as a "hate crime".

This type of abuse includes forms of harassment, threats or insults because of someone's:

  • age
  • culture
  • gender and gender identity
  • physical or learning disability
  • mental health needs
  • race
  • religion
  • sexual orientation.

Charities who can offer support:

Domestic abuse is when someone uses power and control over you. You may be subjected to violence, threats or emotional pressure.

It is not always easy to recognise that you or someone you know is being abused, especially there is no physical violence.

See who to talk to if you need support.

Emotional or psychological abuse can include:

  • being often blamed for something that isn't your fault
  • controlling behaviour by intimidation of fear
  • being shouted at
  • being bullied or feeling threatened
  • humiliation.

This type of abuse can take place in person, or through texts, calls, social media, or at home.

See who to talk to if you need support.

Everyone has the right to make independent financial decisions.

Financial abuse is: “The unauthorised and improper use of funds, property or any resources belonging to another individual". It includes:

  • theft, fraud and exploitation
  • pressure in connection with wills, property, inheritance or financial transactions
  • misuse or misappropriation of property, assets, possessions, savings, capital or benefits.

There are places to go for help and support and things you can do.

For more support read about:

Modern slavery means a person is being forced to work for little or no pay. They are being held against their will, and being tortured or abused by others.

Charities who can offer support:

A person can suffer if a carer neglects their physical or mental needs. This can include keeping someone clean, warm, and fed. Or not giving someone their medication.

Some examples of neglect are:

  • not giving someone appropriate privacy and dignity
  • failing to give heating and lighting
  • inconsistent or reluctant contact with health and social care agencies
  • being isolated from visitors
  • poor environmental conditions.

Physical abuse is when someone causes another harm. This can include:

  • hitting
  • pushing
  • kicking
  • misusing their medication
  • burning someone on purpose
  • controlling what they eat
  • depriving them of their liberty or independence.

See who to talk to if you need support.

Sexual abuse may mean making someone take part in unwanted sex. Or a sexual activity. This can either be by someone they know or someone they do not know.

It can also include:

  • rape
  • indecent exposure
  • sexual harassment
  • inappropriate looking or touching
  • sexual teasing or innuendo
  • sexual photography
  • subjection to pornography
  • witnessing sexual acts
  • indecent exposure
  • sexual assault
  • sexual acts to which the adult has not consented or was pressured into consenting to.

If you are in a relationship, it should always be based on honesty and trust.

See who to contact if you need support.

Self-neglect is when someone neglects their health, hygiene and home.

Examples of self neglect are:

  • choosing not to ask or refusing to ask for help from health or social care services when needed
  • choosing not to ask or refusing to ask for help to look after finances
  • lack of self care that it could threaten your mental state
  • living in dirty and unsanitary conditions
  • hoarding
  • not wishing to take any medication.

If you know someone who is neglecting themselves, sit down and chat with them. Ask them how they are, and if they need any support with cooking, cleaning or doing basic jobs around the house.

Charities who can offer support:

Our Kent and Medway Safeguarding Board website also offer great resources.

For general support and to download help resources, visit the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board website.

We also have helpful information about spotting the signs of child abuse.