Definitions of violence, abuse & neglect
SAFEGUARDING FOUNDATIONS
Abuse is vast and under-reported:
It’s estimated that agencies are notified in only about 10% of cases.
Disabled people are disproportionately affected by abuse.
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Abuse is:
An act or behaviour that may result in harm to a person.There are many forms of abuse, including physical, sexual, emotional, psychological or financial.
Abuse means treating someone else badly, such as hitting someone or saying mean things.
Abuse can also include neglect.
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Violence is a type of abuse.
Violence is:
A behaviour involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill.
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Neglect is:
Failing to provide the care or support that is necessary to maintain a person’s health, safety or wellbeing, where that failure is likely to cause suffering, injury, adverse effects to health, or mental or physical harm.DSS notes that this includes situations where the failure to act means the care or support falls below the standard of care expected of a reasonable person in that caregiving and/or support role.
There are many different types of abuse. It's important to be aware of these, when supporting disabled people.
This knowledge is essential for detecting, preventing and stopping abuse, and when identifying and assessing risk.
You can read about the types of abuse here, by clicking the purple bar.
A hand-out is also available.
This video outlines different types of abuse.
This video is from overseas. All the information is relevant to safeguarding in Aotearoa New Zealand, apart from the contact details for an emergency response and for safeguarding organisations.
In New Zealand, here is the information you need for a safeguarding response.
It was produced by Safeguarding Ireland. 2021
Context of abuse
Abuse can happen anywhere: in families, flatting situations, institutions, care settings, or in the community.
It can happen to people of all ages.
Several types of abuse are defined and actioned under specific legislation in New Zealand, including under the Family Violence Act 2018, Crimes Act 1961 (amended 2011), Bill of Rights Act 1990, Human Rights Act 1993, and the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers’ Rights 1996.
Abuse is vast and under-reported:
It’s estimated that agencies are notified in only about 10% of cases.
Disabled people are disproportionately affected.
Definitions and context adapted from New Zealand Ministry of Justice and adult safeguarding resources.
Impact of abuse
Abuse can cause:
emotional and psychological harm
physical or sexual harm
neglect
self-neglect or self-harm
exploitation.
Abuse erodes people’s ability to direct their own life and make their own decisions, deeply affecting those who are being abused.
Abuse can impact people’s self-esteem, confidence, capability and autonomy, especially when abuse is repeated and the resultant trauma intensifies.
Physical abuse can result in death, long-term or short-term serious injuries,
serious harm, or pain and discomfort
– as well as considerable emotional impacts.
Safeguarding from abuse
Thoughtful, safe (appropriate), caring and practical support, and/or early intervention (for example, from a SAFA team), as well as information and education, can empower those people who are being abused to regain confidence and control.
Find out about safeguarding and how to access safeguarding support.
Access to training
VisAble offers interactive training to help you develop a deeper understanding of these topics and why they’re important.
The training also enables you to explore how to apply the information at your place, with your staff (kaimahi) and in your services, to make a difference for disabled people.
We can also provide training for tāngata whaikaha Māori, disabled people, families, whānau and caregivers.
Find out more about our training and resources Or contact us at info@visable.co.nz.