Rachael Wardle Unit 10
P1 Describe forms of abuse which may be experienced by adults
P2 Describe indicators that abuse may be happening to adults
M1 Describe possible effects of different forms of abuse on the health and wellbeing of
adults
Abuse is defined as cruel or violent treatment to a person or animal regularly or repeatedly.
There are three main types of abuse which may be experienced by adults. These are:
physical, sexual, and emotional or psychological.
Physical abuse is defined as deliberately hurting a person and causing injuries such as
bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts. Individuals who are facing this type of abuse may not
wish to be speak up about it because they may be scared that if they speak up they will
anger their abuser and will be hurt again. It is important in these sort of situations for
practitioners, family or friends to keep an eye on the individual and look for signs
themselves.
Someone facing physical abuse will have unexplained injuries like fractures, breaks, burns,
bruising, and cuts. Adults in care may face physical neglect by the their carers. This type of
abuse is called institutional abuse because an individual from a system of power is
neglecting and maltreating an individual in their care. They may also show signs of
malnourishment if they are being starved or poor hygiene if their injuries make it impossible
for them to take care of their personal hygiene or if the abuser is taking that right away from
them. Other signs may be sudden changes in behaviour such as low self-esteem, compliant
behaviour, or fear and reluctance towards certain people, suicidal thoughts, or attention
seeking behaviour. These signs vary person to person however it is possible for an
individual facing physical abuse to automatically fear the others around them, or act in a
certain manner to draw attention to themselves in order to indirectly ask for help. Some
adults who face abuse may experience suicidal thoughts, may attempt suicide, or may self-
harm. This could be because of the negative emotional and psychological effects which
abuse can have on a person.
The effects of physical abuse may cause a decline in the health or wellbeing of that person.
For example dehydration or malnutrition can decline the health substantially, whether these
are being withheld as a form of abuse or if the victim is punishing themselves by not drinking
or eating. Abusers may disregard the individuals need for medication and may stop them
from taking it. Depending on the type of medication being taken, this could cause a dramatic
decline in the physical or mental health of the individual and may possibly cause death.
Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, where abusers use force, make threats, or take
advantage of victims who are not able to give consent. Abusers commonly sexually exploit
their victims meaning that deceive, coerce, or force the individual to take part in a sexual
activity.This type of abuse usually involves the abuser knowing the victim personally or
professionally. For example spouses may sexually exploit their partners as a form of
domestic abuse, or professionals in a place of power may take advantage of individuals in
their care as a form of institutional abuse. Individuals who face this type of abuse may not
want to speak up about it because they are ashamed, or they are worried that others may
not believe them.
Indicators that a person may have experienced sexual abuse or may still be experiencing it
could be through their behaviour or physical symptoms. For example a person who has
experience sexual abuse may avoid being alone in a room with certain people or may seem
P1 Describe forms of abuse which may be experienced by adults
P2 Describe indicators that abuse may be happening to adults
M1 Describe possible effects of different forms of abuse on the health and wellbeing of
adults
Abuse is defined as cruel or violent treatment to a person or animal regularly or repeatedly.
There are three main types of abuse which may be experienced by adults. These are:
physical, sexual, and emotional or psychological.
Physical abuse is defined as deliberately hurting a person and causing injuries such as
bruises, broken bones, burns or cuts. Individuals who are facing this type of abuse may not
wish to be speak up about it because they may be scared that if they speak up they will
anger their abuser and will be hurt again. It is important in these sort of situations for
practitioners, family or friends to keep an eye on the individual and look for signs
themselves.
Someone facing physical abuse will have unexplained injuries like fractures, breaks, burns,
bruising, and cuts. Adults in care may face physical neglect by the their carers. This type of
abuse is called institutional abuse because an individual from a system of power is
neglecting and maltreating an individual in their care. They may also show signs of
malnourishment if they are being starved or poor hygiene if their injuries make it impossible
for them to take care of their personal hygiene or if the abuser is taking that right away from
them. Other signs may be sudden changes in behaviour such as low self-esteem, compliant
behaviour, or fear and reluctance towards certain people, suicidal thoughts, or attention
seeking behaviour. These signs vary person to person however it is possible for an
individual facing physical abuse to automatically fear the others around them, or act in a
certain manner to draw attention to themselves in order to indirectly ask for help. Some
adults who face abuse may experience suicidal thoughts, may attempt suicide, or may self-
harm. This could be because of the negative emotional and psychological effects which
abuse can have on a person.
The effects of physical abuse may cause a decline in the health or wellbeing of that person.
For example dehydration or malnutrition can decline the health substantially, whether these
are being withheld as a form of abuse or if the victim is punishing themselves by not drinking
or eating. Abusers may disregard the individuals need for medication and may stop them
from taking it. Depending on the type of medication being taken, this could cause a dramatic
decline in the physical or mental health of the individual and may possibly cause death.
Sexual abuse is unwanted sexual activity, where abusers use force, make threats, or take
advantage of victims who are not able to give consent. Abusers commonly sexually exploit
their victims meaning that deceive, coerce, or force the individual to take part in a sexual
activity.This type of abuse usually involves the abuser knowing the victim personally or
professionally. For example spouses may sexually exploit their partners as a form of
domestic abuse, or professionals in a place of power may take advantage of individuals in
their care as a form of institutional abuse. Individuals who face this type of abuse may not
want to speak up about it because they are ashamed, or they are worried that others may
not believe them.
Indicators that a person may have experienced sexual abuse or may still be experiencing it
could be through their behaviour or physical symptoms. For example a person who has
experience sexual abuse may avoid being alone in a room with certain people or may seem
