Abuse is the deliberate mistreatment of an adult which causes physical, mental or emotional harm or damage to their property or their assets. There are different types of abuse: . It can happen to anyone, at any age, in any culture, no matter what his or her gender, income or religion.
How do you know if there is a problem?
Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, assistance, guidance or attention causing the person physical, mental or emotional harm.
Self-Neglect is when an adult fails to take care of their own basic needs to the point that causes the person physical, mental or emotional harm or significant loss of their assets.
Are any of these situations familiar?
- You become concerned after seeing a young woman screaming at a neighbour in the hallway of your apartment building. Your neighbour is a frail, elderly man who recently had a stroke and you’ve seen this happen once or twice before. This could be a sign that the man is being emotionally abused.
- A mother, disabled with a brain injury, gives her bank account information to her daughter so that the daughter can buy groceries. The next month the mother’s rent cheque bounces at the bank because there is no money left in her account. Her landlord tells her she has to leave because she can’t pay the rent. T his mother may be abused because her daughter is taking advantage of her finances.
- An 82-year-old woman with dementia is being cared for at home by her husband. Her room and bedding are not clean and she has a large sore on her back. It looks like she may not be getting proper care from her husband or anyone else. This elderly lady may be neglected.
- You have a friend with multiple sclerosis who has always been a very cheerful and upbeat person. But in recent visits to her you notice that she is often quiet, moody and tearful, and refuses to talk about what is bothering her. She seems anxious and afraid. This friend may be abused physically, emotionally or sexually.
More information
Fraser Health is a designated agency and responds to reports of adult abuse and neglect. Visit the Getting Help page for more information.
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