Abuse

  • 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.

    Read the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board leaflet (PDF)

  • Getting help for domestic violence

    Domestic violence is officially classified as “any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between adults who are or have been in a relationship together, or between family members, regardless of gender or sexuality”.

    I’m being abused – Where can I get help?
    You don’t have to wait for an emergency situation to seek help. You can:
    – Talk to your doctor, health visitor or midwife
    – call 0808 2000 247, the 24-hour National Domestic Violence Helpline (calls from a landline are free)
    – In an emergency, call 999

    For further information please visit Getting help for domestic violence and abuse – NHS

  • 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.

    Further information
    Female Genital Mutilation – The facts (PDF)
    A statement opposing Female Genital Mutilation (PDF)
    NHS Choices

  • 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.