Warning signs
A variety of factors often increase the vulnerability of people with disabilities,
they include:
- Dependence on others for basic needs, such as bathing,
using the toilet, meal preparation, etc. This reliance on others to assist
with activities of daily living increases a person's vulnerability and exposure
to abuse.
- Socialization to comply with the instructions of "those
in charge," be they professionals, in-home workers, volunteers or family
members. If the "person in charge" is physically or sexually abusive
or neglectful, this learned compliance undermines the person's power to seek
protection or support.
- Living in group or institutional settings with housemates
that he or she did not choose. It is important for staff at these facilities
to teach appropriate behavior to their residents, and provide enough supervision
that incidents of physical or sexual abuse do not occur.
Indicators of neglect
- Dirt, fecal/urine smell or other health and safety
hazards in the person's living environment.
- Rashes, sores, lice on the person.
- Malnourishment or dehydration with sudden weight loss.
- Untreated medical condition.
Indicators of physical abuse
- Cuts, lacerations, punctures, wounds.
- Bruises, welts, discolorations, grip marks.
- Any unexplained injury that doesn't fit with the given
explanation of the injury.
- Any injury incompatible with the person's history of unexplained
injuries.
- Any injury which has not been properly cared for (sometimes
injuries are hidden on areas of the body normally covered by clothing).
- Poor skin condition or poor skin hygiene.
- Dehydration and/or malnourishment without illness-related
cause.
- Unexplained loss of weight.
- Burns, possibly caused by cigarettes, caustics, acids
or friction from ropes or chains, being dragged on the ground.
- Overmedication.
Indicators of sexual abuse or exploitation
- Bleeding, bruising, infection, scarring or irritation to
a person's genitals, rectum, mouth or breasts.
- Genital pain or itching, sexually transmitted diseases.
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing.
- Difficulty walking or sitting.
- Changes in personal hygiene.
- Weight gain or loss.
- Ongoing, unexplained medical problems like stomachaches
and headaches.
- Depression, withdrawal or excessive crying spells.
- Sudden avoidance or fear of specific people, specific
genders or situations.
- Any significant behavior change.
- Acting out, attention seeking, aggression.
- Changes in work performance, non-participation in work
or social activities.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Self-destructive behavior.
- Sexually inappropriate behaviors, compulsive masturbation,
promiscuity.
- Hints about sexual activity and a new or detailed understanding
of sexual behavior.
- Urinating or defecating in clothing.
Indicators of verbal mistreatment/abuse
- Humiliating, insulting or threatening language directed
at the person.
- Signs of helplessness, hesitation to talk openly, fear,
withdrawal, depression, denial, agitation, anger, confusion or disorientation
in the person.
- Non-compliance or overly compliant.
See also Reporting
abuse
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