Safeguarding policy and reporting procedure

Annex 3 – Recognising potential indicators of abuse

Type of Abuse	Who It Affects	Signs of Abuse / Behavioural Indicators
Emotional Abuse Acts or behaviours that harm emotional wellbeing, cause distress, or undermine dignity. Often present alongside other forms of abuse.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Threats of harm or abandonment Humiliation, shaming, ridicule Harassment, bullying, intimidation Control or coercion Deprivation of choice or privacy Deliberate social isolation Infantilisation (treating an adult like a child) Withdrawal, disturbed sleep Loss of appetite or overeating Anxiety, confusion, resignation Extreme submissiveness or dependency Sudden behavioural changes in presence of certain individuals Excessive craving for attention Self-harm (e.g. head banging, hand biting) Unexplained weight loss Loss of confidence
Neglect / Acts of Omission Failure to meet basic physical, emotional, or medical needs.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Withholding help with daily tasks Ignoring medical needs Lack of access to health, social, or educational support Withholding medication, food, heating Isolation Failure to intervene in dangerous situations Inadequate supervision or inappropriate carers Poor hygiene or unsuitable clothing Untreated illness Dehydration, malnutrition, weight loss Repeated infections or falls Worsening health conditions Pressure sores Mentioning being left alone Severe nappy rash or skin infections
Physical Abuse Non-accidental use of force causing injury, pain, or impairment.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Unexplained or suspicious injuries Assaults (hitting, slapping, pushing, kicking) Misuse of medication or medical procedures Inappropriate restraint Multiple bruises inconsistent with explanation Flinching, cowering Burns, abrasions, fractures Hair loss or scalp tenderness Unusual sleepiness or docility Frequent changes in GP or care provider Low self-esteem, emotional distress
Sexual Abuse Involvement in sexual activity without consent or understanding.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Rape, indecent assault or exposure Exposure to inappropriate sexual content Sudden behavioural changes Fear of specific individuals Nightmares, bedwetting Running away Sexual knowledge beyond developmental stage Sexualised drawings or language Self-harm, suicide attempts Eating disorders (e.g. anorexia, bingeing)
Bullying Deliberate, repeated behaviour intended to hurt or intimidate.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Physical: hitting, kicking, theft Verbal: name-calling, teasing, threats Emotional: humiliation, exclusion Sexual: unwanted contact or comments Behavioural changes: withdrawal, mood swings, reluctance to attend school or clubs Physical signs: stomach aches, sleep issues, damaged belongings Bingeing on food, cigarettes, alcohol Loss of money or possessions
Financial or Material Abuse Unauthorised or improper use of a person’s money, property, or resources.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Unexplained loss of money or possessions Sudden inability to pay bills Disparity between living conditions and financial resources Unauthorised changes to wills or financial documents Reluctance to discuss financial matters
Discriminatory Abuse Abuse based on race, gender, disability, age, religion, or other protected characteristics.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Derogatory language or slurs Exclusion from services or activities Unequal treatment Harassment or hate incidents Low self-esteem linked to identity
Institutional Abuse Poor or abusive care practices within settings such as hospitals or care homes.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Rigid routines or lack of flexibility Unsafe or unhygienic environments Lack of dignity or privacy Unskilled or untrained staff Inappropriate use of restraint
Domestic Abuse Controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between intimate partners or family members.	Young People Vulnerable Adults	Fear of partner or family member Physical injuries with vague explanations Isolation from friends or support Financial control Verbal threats or intimidation
Honour-Based Abuse (HBA) Violence committed to protect or defend the ‘honour’ of a family or community.	Children Young People Vulnerable Adults	Sudden disappearance or withdrawal from education Family monitoring of behaviour Signs of physical injury Fear of forced marriage Restricted autonomy or communication