Signs and Symptoms of Different Types of Abuse

TASK A Booklet
Ai Describe in your own words what is meant by the following types of abuse & Aii Identify signs and symptoms of the different types of abuse; Physical abuse is using physical force in a non-accidental way which results in bodily injury, pain or impairment. Examples of behaviours: hitting, slapping, pushing, burning, physical restraint, harassment, enforced sedation, inappropriate use of medication, aids for daily living being withheld, e.g. hearing aids, glasses; Signs: bruising, bite marks, cigarette burns or other marks that cannot be explained where they could come from. Sexual abuse happens when a service user is involved in sexual activities that he/she doesn’t understand, have not consented or which violate the sexual taboos of family custom and practice Signs: soreness, bruising or bleeding around the genital area, the service user may withdraw from us when we touch them or they may hit us in an attempt to protect themselves. Emotional/Psychological abuse relates to any action that damages an individual’s mental well-being and development, causing him/her emotional distress, e.g. verbal abuse, including badgering, coercing, provoking or frightening actions or making someone undertake or witness acts which are personally distasteful Signs: the service user may be distressed, frightened, nervous, irritable or very withdrawn and reluctant to hold a conversation. Financial abuse is the misuse of an individual’s money or personal possessions or any resources of a vulnerable person. Signs: the service user may appear worried, irritable, frighten to engage in conversation because of the pressure he/she is facing. Institutional abuse happens when following schedules of Care that are organised around staff convenience, not the needs of the service users. Signs: misuse of medication, e.g. sedating individuals to make life easier for the staff, very little choice of menu, no choice of television programmes, opening service user’s mail, etc.