Signs of abuse
You may become concerned that someone is being abused in a number of ways:
- the person may tell you
- the person may say something that worries you
- you may see something – an incident or an injury or other sign
You might see and/or hear something happen:
- someone being bullied or intimidated
- someone being made to feel frightened or unhappy
- someone in a situation of unnecessary risk
The person or somebody else might say something that gives cause for concern, for example:
- a colleague
- family member
- member of the public
There might be physical signs or unexplained or unusual injuries:
- bruises
- slap marks
- black eyes
- bleeding
- burns or scalding
- cigarette marks
- torn, stained or blood stained clothes
There may be other signs such as:
- inappropriate, dirty or soiled clothes
- no food or drink available for the person
- bills not being paid or services, e.g. telephone cut off
- shortage of money
The person might say things or behave in a way that causes you concern:
- the person may seem unhappy or distressed
- the person may appear frightened, anxious or agitated without an obvious cause, or in relation to certain people
- sleeping problems
- constant visits to the toilet without a medical reason
- other unexplained changes in how the person behaves
The behaviour of a colleague or other person might cause concern:
- dismissive or intolerant attitude
- task / routine orientated rather than person focused
- not a team player; insists on doing tasks on their own or in their way; secretive about contact with clients
- oversteps professional boundaries with clients and colleagues, maybe overfriendly; neglects professional development
You may not know. It is enough that you are worried. You must act.