Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

2001 Words9 Pages
Give a definition of the following types of abuse, and for each, list the signs and symptoms you need to be aware of in association with each type of abuse. 1. Physical abuse – any action causing physical harm, use of physical force, rough handling, incorrect manual handling over long periods of time can cause considerable harm and injury to the individual. Physical abuse may include: hitting, pushing, shoving, striking, shaking, pinching; but also physical restraints, force feeding. Signs and symptoms can include bruising or any physical injuries occurring regularly. The bruising will be at different stages of healing. While there may not be any bruising or marks on the body, the person being abused will behave differently, therefore it’s important to know the individual and his/her normal behaviour and monitor and report any changes. 2. Sexual abuse – inappropriate sexual contact with the individual without their consent; making sexual advances, inappropriate touching, indecent exposure, rape. Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse will include sudden withdrawal, behavioural changes in the individual – the patient may become shy when assisting with their personal hygiene, wanting to hide themselves; there may also be bruising around the genital area. In children and adolescents the symptoms could include overt sexual behaviour or language. 3. Emotional/ psychological abuse – this is a type of abuse most difficult to prove. By definition it is subjecting or exposing another person to behaviour that may result in psychological trauma. It can be bullying, threats of harm, intimidation, humiliation, withholding of affection, isolation, discrimination. Unlike physical or sexual abuse, psychological abuse is not a single incident, it is rather a repetitive behaviour, occurring over time. Signs and symptoms may include: depression, withdrawal, insomnia and any
Open Document