Patterns of Abuse

Abuse can take place anywhere. Incidents of abuse may be one-off or multiple. It can affect one person or multiple persons.

Serial abuse is when the perpetrator seeks out and ‘grooms’ individuals. Sexual abuse, exploitation, cuckooing and some forms of financial abuse fall into this pattern.

Long term abuse can be seen in the context of an ongoing family relationship such as domestic abuse and coercive control.

Opportunistic abuse such as a theft occurring or a hate crime in the community.

Abuse can be a result of targeted fraud or internet scams perpetrated by complete strangers; however it is far more likely that the person responsible for abuse is known to the adult or is in a position of trust and power.