Safeguarding children and adults at risk of harm - 5. Definition of abuse

5.1. Abuse is the violation of an individual’s human and civil rights by any other person or persons (Department of Health 2000). 

5.2. Abuse can happen anywhere including in the home, at school and during leisure activities. Abuse is not just about physical harm. For example, witnessing domestic abuse at home harms a child or young person emotionally and psychologically and impacts their ability to thrive. 

5.3. Abuse is any form of physical, emotional or sexual mistreatment or lack of care that leads to injury or harm. It commonly occurs within a relationship of trust or responsibility and represents an abuse of power or a breach of trust.

5.4. Abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, race or ability. 

5.5. People may be abused in a family or in an institution or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by a stranger. They may be abused by an adult or adults, a child or children or a young person/people. 

5.6. Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child, young person or adult. Somebody may abuse or neglect a child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. 

5.7. Failing to act to prevent harm to a child or adult at risk of harm can imply acceptance of such behaviour, which in turn implies responsibility.

5.8. Abuse can be: 

• Intentional or unintentional
• Active or passive
• Part of a pattern of behaviour or a single incident