Types of Abuse -

Child | Elder | Domestic |Police | Human Rights | Public Body

Child Abuse (for more help select the menus at the top of this page)

This is probably the widest known type of abuse. Here the abuser can be a member of the same family, relative, friend or stranger. The abuse usually starts with the grooming process, and then escalates to emotional, physical, or sexual abuse. Child Abuse however can be any form of cruelty towards a child, who is any person under the age of 18. Abuse can take place in many different locations from the home to a residential care home, or whilst the child is in the care of any public body or institution.

Domestic Abuse (see also domestic violence against the elderly on our elderabuse site)

The Government defines domestic violence as "Any incident of threatening behaviour, violence or abuse (psychological, physical, sexual, financial or emotional) between adults who are or have been intimate partners or family members, regardless of gender or sexuality." This includes issues of concern to black and minority ethnic communities such as so called 'honour killings'.

According to research, women who suffer violence at the hands of a partner or spouse are attacked, on average, 35 times before they first contact the police. For men, where the social stigma surrounding domestic violence is often very restrictive, the suffering can go on longer.

We advise first and foremost that if you are attacked, you contact the police who may arrest your partner if a criminal offence has been committed.

After this initial course of action we can help secure your future protection in a number of ways. We can help you to apply for a Non-Molestation Order to prevent you from being assaulted or harassed, or an Exclusion Order preventing your former partner from returning to your home.

If you are being asked to leave and are accused of violence we can give you advice upon the best way forward. When there are children theycan be severely affected by what is going on. We can negotiate an amicable settlement on your behalf or represent you in court if necessary.

Elder Abuse (see our site)

This can take the form of a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.... more

Police Assault

Speaks for itself, abuse of power resulting in physical harm usually whilst in police custody. It also includes interference with goods ie non-return of items taken into custody by the police.

Abuse of Human Rights

Human Rights were introduced to United Kingdom statute law officially by the Human Rights Act 1998. Rights have always been part of UK law, but did not have official recognition by statute until 1998. Typical rights referred to are

• The right to life
• The right not to be tortured
• Freedom from slavery or forced labour
• The right to freedom and security
• Freedom of expression
• The right fo quiet enjoyment
• The right to privacy & Family Life
• The right to a fair trial
• The right to marry
• Freedom of thought, conscience, & religion.
• Freedom of assembly and association
• Freedom from discrimination.

Any interference with the above rights allows an individual to seek help from the courts.

Abuse by a Public Body or Officer

The abuse of power by any officer in a position of responsibility employed by a Public body is by definition abuse. This can include abuse of a child in care whether in a residential care home or visiting a voluntary organisation which organises activities for children or vulnerable adults. It also includes the wrongful use of power by a Local Authority in the way they choose welfare services for members of the community. The placement of a disabled adult in the wrong setting for their needs could come under this category.