Abuse

How it is used

Usually used with a type: physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse. Professionals suspect, report or investigate abuse, and a person may disclose it. For alcohol and drugs, the more neutral 'misuse' is now preferred to 'substance abuse'.

Example sentences

1. Financial abuse of older people often stays hidden for a long time.

2. Any suspicion of abuse must be reported to the safeguarding lead.

Common collocations

• physical abuse
• emotional abuse
• financial abuse
• report abuse
• allegation of abuse

Related terms

• neglectThe ongoing failure to meet a child's or dependent adult's basic needs, such as food, safety, hygiene, health care, supervision or emotional warmth.
• disclosureThe moment when a person, often a child, tells someone that they have been harmed or abused; also the release of information to another person or agency.
• safeguardingAll the measures taken to protect children and adults at risk from harm, abuse and neglect, and to promote their wellbeing.
• domestic abuseControlling, threatening or violent behaviour between partners, ex-partners or family members, including emotional, financial and physical abuse.
• substance misuseUse of alcohol or drugs in a way that harms a person's health, relationships, work or ability to look after themselves or others.

More terms: Child Protection and Safeguarding

• child protection
• at risk
• mandatory reporting
• child in need
• safety plan
• significant harm