Types and Indicators of Abuse

Abuse or neglect may be the result of deliberate intent, negligence or unawareness. Exploitation can be a common theme in the experience of abuse or neglect. Whilst it is acknowledged that abuse or neglect can take different forms, the statutory guidance identifies the following types of abuse or neglect:

For more details of types of abuse and indicators refer to Types and indicators of abuse: Safeguarding adults - SCIE. Where the statutory criteria for Section42 (s42) are met, a safeguarding referral should always be raised.

In addition to the categories of abuse described in the statutory guidance and on the SCIE document, all stakeholders should also be mindful of the following:

Hate Crime

Defined as any incident that is perceived by the victim, or any other person, to be motivated by hostility or prejudice and based on a persons protected characteristics. It should be noted this definition is based on the perception of the victim or anyone else and is not reliant on evidence. All hate crime is a criminal offence however In addition, it includes hate incidents that do not constitute a criminal offence. A safeguarding concern for hate crime would usually be raised under the category of Discriminatory Abuse.

Mate Crime

As defined by the Safety Net Project, this is when vulnerable people are befriended by members of the community who go on to exploit and take advantage of them. It may not be an illegal act but still has a negative effect on the individual. Mate crime is often difficult for police to investigate, due to its sometimes-ambiguous nature, but should be reported to police who will make a decision about whether or not a criminal offence has been committed. A Mate Crime is carried out by someone the adults knows and often happens in private. There have been a number of Safeguarding Adults Reviews relating to people with a learning disability who were murdered or seriously harmed by people who purported to be their friend. A safeguarding concern for mate crime would usually be raised under the category of Financial & Material Abuse.

Sexual Exploitation

Involves exploitative situations, contexts and relationships where adults at risk (or a third party) receive ‘something’ (e.g. food, accommodation, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, affection, gifts, money) as a result of them performing, and/or another or others performing on them, sexual activities. It affects men as well as women. People who are sexually exploited do not always perceive that they are being exploited. In all cases those exploiting the adult have power over them by virtue of their age, gender, intellect, physical strength and/or economic or other resources. There is a distinct inequality in the relationship. Signs to look out for are not being able to speak to the adult alone, observation of the adult seeking approval from the exploiter to respond and the person exploiting the adult answering for them and making decisions without consulting them.

Criminal exploitation

Criminal exploitation is abuse where children, young people and adults are manipulated and coerced into committing crimes.  They might be victims of violence or pressurised into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited and put into dangerous situation.

More information about criminal exploitation is available here.

Cuckooing/Home invasion

Cuckooing is a practice where people take over a person’s home and use the property to facilitate exploitation. It takes its name from cuckoos who take over the nests of other birds.

Examples of cuckooing may include:

• Using the property to grow, deal, store or take or distribute drugs
• Using the property to sex work
• Using the property to store weapons
• Taking over the property as a place for them to lice
• Taking over the property to financially abuse the tenant

They may begin by befriending the adult at risk, they will then offer the adult at risk something of interest to them, such as a relationship, friendship, drugs or alcohol (or both), money or clothing.

In exchange they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room, to store something or meet other ‘friends’ at the property. In some cases, the gang may make it clear that it is for criminal purposes, such as drug supply, or they may use an excuse as to why they want to use the property.

The perpetrators may threaten the adult at risk verbally or physically if they try to stop the criminal activity. They will also discourage family or friends and support workers from visiting the address.

More information on signs of cuckooing can be found here.

Forced Marriage

This is a term used to describe a marriage in which one or both of the partes are married without their consent or against their will. A forced marriage differs from an arranged marriage, in which both parties consent to the assistance of their parents or a third party in identifying a spouse.

In a situation where there is a concern that an adult with care and support needs is being forced into a marriage they do not or cannot consent to, there will be an overlap between action taken under the forced marriage provisions and the adult safeguarding process. In this case, action will be coordinated with the police and other relevant organisations. The police must always be contacted in such cases as urgent action may need to be taken.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 means it is now a criminal offence to force someone to marry. In addition, the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007 may be used obtain a Forced Marriage Protection Order as a civil remedy.

Honour Based Abuse/Violence

Honour Based Abuse is a crime and should always be referred to the police. It has or may have been committed when families or communities feel that dishonour has been brought to them. Women are predominantly (but not exclusively) the victims and the abuse if often committed with a degree of collusion from family members and/or the community. Some of these victims will contact the police or other organisations. However, some others are so isolated and controlled they are unable to seek help.

Adult safeguarding concerns that may indicate honour-based abuse include domestic abuse, concerns about forced marriage, a person being forced to stay at home and missing persons reports.

Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)

FGM involved procedures that intentionally alter or injure female genital organs for non-medical reasons. The procedure has not health benefits for girls and women. The Female Genital Mutilation Act (FGMA) was introduced in 2003 and came into effect in March 2024. This makes it illegal to practice FGM in the UK or to take girls who are British nationals or permanent residents of the UK abroad for FGM, whether or not it is lawful in another country. It also makes it illegal to aid, abet, counsel or procure the carrying out of FGM abroad.