What is abuse?

Abuse is when someone hurts you, treats you badly, or takes advantage of you. Abuse can happen in different ways:

• Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, or hurting someone.
• Sexual abuse: Touching someone in a way they do not want, or making them do things they do not want to do.
• Emotional or psychological abuse: Saying mean things, threatening, blaming, or controlling someone.
• Financial abuse: Stealing money or belongings, or making someone give away their money.
• Neglect: Not giving someone the care, food, or help they need.
• Discriminatory abuse: Treating someone badly because of their age, disability, race, religion, gender, or sexuality.
• Modern slavery: Forcing someone to work or do things against their will.
• Organisational abuse: Poor care in a care home, hospital, or by a care provider.
• Self-neglect: When someone does not look after themselves or their home.