Principles of Safeguarding and Protection in Health and Social Care

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Physical abuse is “the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.” It may include but isn’t limited to hitting, pushing, shaking, kicking, pinching or burning. Signs and symptoms include: bruises, black eyes, open wounds, cuts or punctures and any untreated injuries in various stages of healing. Fractured or broken bones, sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries along with signs of being restrained are also signs. Findings of medication overdose or under use of prescribed medication, the individual reporting being mistreated, a sudden change in behaviour and the caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see the individual alone are also signs of potential physical abuse. Sexual abuse is any sort of non-consensual sexual contact; Sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse. Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse include but are not limited to: bruises around breasts or genital area, unexplained venereal disease or genital infections, unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding, torn, stained, or bloody underclothing or an individual’s report of being sexually assaulted or raped. Psychological abuse (also referred to as emotional abuse or mental abuse), “is a form of abuse characterised by a person subjecting or exposing another to behaviour that may result in psychological trauma, including anxiety, chronic depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder.” Signs and symptoms of emotional/psychological abuse include but are not limited to: being emotionally upset or agitated, being withdrawn, non-communicative or non-responsive, unusual behaviour usually attributed to dementia (e.g., sucking, biting, rocking) and the persons report. Financial abuse is “The misuse of a person's funds and assets; obtaining property and funds without the individuals’ knowledge and full consent.” Examples
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