Abuse

Understanding Abuse

What is Abuse?

Abuse is some action by a trusted individual that causes physical and/or emotional harm to the victim. There are a number of different kinds of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional abuse (includes verbal abuse), sexual abuse and financial abuse (including identity theft).

CAREGIVERS ARE MANDATED REPORTERS!

A Mandated Reporter is a professional who has regular contact with vulnerable people—and is required to report to the proper authorities if abuse is observed or suspected. You can make reports anonymously, but you can also be charged with negligence for failing to make a report.

Studies have shown that 93% of nursing assistants have seen or heard of a client being mistreated by a family member or a coworker. You and your coworkers have to work together to prevent abuse.

Whistleblowers are heroes who speak out when they witness abuse in the workplace. They have the power to make it STOP!

FOCUS ON CHILD ABUSE

Child abuse can happen in any type of family—small, large, rich, poor, white, black, etc. It can also happen to children of all ages.

What are the signs? Abused children might:

Say they deserve to be punished.
Act frightened of parents or other adults.
Get scared when other kids cry.
Be very quiet or very aggressive.
Sit and stare into space.
Be afraid to go home.
Act much older than they are.
Try to get attention by being “naughty”.
Try to run away from home.

FOCUS ON ELDER ABUSE

Elderly people are more likely to be abused if:

They are physically and/or mentally impaired.
They are isolated from their family or community.
Their caregivers are stressed out.
Their caregiver is a family member with emotional problems or who is addicted to drugs or alcohol.

Know the signs! It should send up a red flag if:

The client is punished for being incontinent.
You hear a client being threatened.
You hear two different stories about how the client got a bruise or other injury.
A family member refuses to allow you to complete the client’s care.