What is abuse?
Abuse is often assumed to mean sexual or physical abuse, but there are many ways in which people can be abused.
The headings opposite show some of the different types of abuse. Select a heading to find out about the different kinds of abuse.
Physical abuse
Physical abuse involves causing physical harm to a person, however this is achieved. Deliberately induced illness would also count as physical abuse.
Emotional abuse
Emotional abuse may cause a person to feel psychological or emotional suffering or fear, maybe by persistently being told they are worthless, unloved, inadequate and not valued as an individual.
Sexual abuse
Sexual abuse involves forced sexual acts, whether with physical contact or as non-contact activities, or forced or unforced sexual acts with minors or adults at risk.
Neglect
Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a person's basic physical, emotional and/or psychological needs.
Financial abuse
Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of a person's finances without their informed consent or where consent is obtained by fraud.
Bullying
Bullying is intentionally causing harm to others through harassment, assault, or other more subtle methods of coercion such as manipulation. Cyber or e-bullying uses technology such as email, social networking sites and texting to do this.
Discrimination
Discrimination includes any action or practice that unfairly, unjustifiably or unlawfully excludes a group or individual or treats them unequally.
Indirect abuse
Indirect abuse may occur when a person is exposed to the abuse of another person, such as violence against a parent or carer.