Frequently Asked Questions: Protection of vulnerable adults

Abuse is when someone does or says something that upsets or frightens a person.  There are different ways people can abuse:

• Physical abuse - hurting someone.  This could be hitting, kicking, burning, holding down or pushing around.
• Sexual abuse - touching or doing things to someone which they don't like.  They could make the person touch them or kiss them when they do not want to.
• Psychological abuse - saying things to upset a person.  They could say a person is stupid, threaten a person, make a person sad or hurt a person's feelings.
• Financial abuse - taking money or private things without asking.  They might spend a persons money in a way that they do not want.
• Neglect - looking after someone badly.  They might not help a person to get food, keep warm and safe or take them to the doctors for help.
• Discriminatory abuse - treating someone badly because of their disability, religion or the colour of their skin.
• Institutional abuse - a service not putting a person first.  This could be a day centre, a hospital or a home.  For example a person might not be treated with dignity and respect.