Recognising abuse
Abuse is often kept a secret. People who are being abused often feel ashamed or responsible for what is happening to them, or they may be frightened of what will happen if they do tell someone what is happening to them. Sometimes they can't speak up for themselves.
If the abuse has gone on for a long time they will probably have become used to making excuses. For example, a person with a badly bruised arm may say they had a fall when they have been hit.
It is important that people around the vulnerable person are vigilant to what may be signs of abuse. These can include:
- injuries which occur regularly or are not properly explained, for example, burns and bruises
- changes in how the person behaves e.g. they may be weepy, angry or depressed
- changes in the person's normal routine e.g. not going out or seeing friends or family
- money worries, for example, not enough money for food or unpaid bills or debts
- changes in appearance, for example, wearing the same clothes, not washing hair or using makeup
- the person not eating or drinking or losing weight
- never being allowed to see the person on their own.
If you are worried about someone it is important that you do something about it.
He or she should never be ignored. It may be that there are other reasons such as illness or depression, or it could be that the person is being abused or neglected.
