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Patterns of abuse

a man with his hands over his ears looking troubledAbusers

Abuse can occur anywhere and be perpetrated by anyone. Adults at risk of abuse are sometimes abused by strangers, but more often, they are abused by someone known to them or in a position of trust. This may include:

  • a partner, relative, friend or child
  • a neighbour or someone from the community network
  • a paid carer or volunteer
  • a health, social care worker or other professional
  • another vulnerable adult
  • a non-carer or stranger
  • a friend or family member with a history of violent behaviour, alcohol or substance misuse or mental illness

Where the person alleged to have caused harm seeks out or ‘grooms’ those individuals more vulnerable or at risk of abuse. Sexual abuse often falls into this pattern, as do some forms of financial abuse.

In the context of an ongoing family relationship such as domestic violence between spouses / partners or between generations.

Such as theft occurring because money or goods have been left around.

Where pressures have built up in coping with an individual’s difficult or challenging behaviour.

Helpful support services

  • Safelives is a national charity supporting a strong multi-agency response to domestic abuse.
  • National Centre for Domestic Violence (NCDV) specialises in providing free, fast and effective legal support to survivors of domestic violence.
  • Sign Health aims to improve healthcare and achieve equal access for deaf people. They work with the deaf community, health services and other charities. This page contains information on the practical and emotional support available to deaf women who are experiencing, or are survivors of, domestic abuse in order to help them to make choices and stay safe.
  • Trading Standards aims to protect individual consumers and traders by offering advice and guidance and enforcing government legislation.
  • Protect is a whistleblowing charity that aims to protect society by encouraging workplace whistleblowing.
  • Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) helps employers make safer recruitment decisions and prevents unsuitable people from working with vulnerable groups, including children. It replaces the Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) and Independent Safeguarding Authority (ISA).

Local support services