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The Main Forms of Abuse
Sexual abuse
This includes rape, sexual assault, forced to take part in sexual activities to which they could not consent to, being shown sexual material or being sexually humiliated.
Physical abuse
This includes hitting, pushing, pinching, shaking, misusing medication, scalding, restraint and hair pulling.
Psychological abuse
This includes blaming, controlling, or humiliating, verbal abuse, intimidation, coercion, threats of harm or abandonment, being prevented from receiving services or support.
Neglect
This includes ignoring or preventing medical or physical care needs or withholding the necessities of life such as food, drink and heating.
Discriminatory abuse
This includes any abuse that is based on race, sexuality, gender, age or disability.
Institutional abuse
In care homes, nursing homes or hospitals when people are mistreated because of poor or inadequate care, neglect and poor practice that affect the whole of the service.
Financial abuse
This includes theft, fraud or exploitation, pressure in connection with wills, property, or inheritance, misuse of property, possessions or benefits.
Local Support
Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline
Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a confidential, free, support and signposting service for anyone affected by domestic abuse
National Support
SafeLives
If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are supporting someone who is in that situation, immediate help is available.
National Domestic Abuse Helpline
Are you experiencing domestic abuse? You are not alone. The Helpline can help you find a refuge vacancy for you and your children; call them more information. They can also support you to find other specialist services in your community, which can provide support whether or not you have left your partner. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or are supporting someone who is in that situation, immediate help is available.
Survivors UK - Male Rape and Sexual Abuse Support
Survivors UK help sexually abused men, as well as their friends and family, no matter when the abuse happened, and challenge the silence and attitudes.
Rape Crisis
National organisation offering support and counselling for those affected by rape and sexual abuse.
Victim Support
As an independent charity, we work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and the respect they deserve. We help people feel safer and find the strength to move beyond crime. Support is free, confidential and tailored to your needs.
Hourglass
The Hourglass mission is simple: end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a child abuse and an extremely harmful practice with devastating health consequences for girls and women. Some girls die from blood loss or infection as a direct result FGM. Some women who had FGM are also likely to find it difficult to give birth and many also suffer from long-term psychological trauma.
FGM is illegal in the UK. It is also illegal to arrange for a child to be taken abroad for FGM. If caught, offenders face a large fine and a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
If you are worried about someone who is at risk of FGM or has had FGM, you must share this information with social care or the police.
You can also call NSPCC FGM Helpline line on 0800 028 3550 which can support family members concerned that a child is at risk of, or has had FGM.
Non-urgent advice for British nationals abroad can be obtained from the Foreign & Commonwealth Office helpline, on 020 7008 1500.
Safeguarding Adults
If you or someone you know is being abused or neglected
- Call Health and Community Services on 0300 123 4042 (24 hours a day).
- If there is a danger to life, a risk of injury or a crime is taking place, call the police by dialling 999 or 101 for a non-emergency.
You can also:
- Contact the Care Quality Commission (CQC) on 03000 616 161 if the vulnerable adult is living in a registered care home or receiving home care services.
- Let a public service professional, such as a social worker, community nurse, GP, probation officer or district nurse know your concerns. They have responsibilities under the county’s adult protection procedure and can advise you about what to do next.