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Over 20 years experience of training in the care sector
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020 3129 5667
Understanding the types of abuse in care is vital for every member of the health and social care workforce. Under UK safeguarding law, providers must take active steps to protect both adults and children from abuse, neglect, and improper treatment. The Care Act 2014 sets out duties for local authorities and care providers, while Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) defines national standards for protecting children.
The Care Quality Commission (CQC) expects all providers to comply with Regulation 13, which requires effective systems to prevent abuse and safeguard people’s rights and dignity.
The Care Act 2014 statutory guidance (Chapter 14) identifies ten main types of abuse in care settings involving adults:
Physical abuse – hitting, slapping, misuse of medication, or rough handling.
Domestic abuse – including controlling or coercive behaviour, which may be physical, emotional, sexual, or financial.
Sexual abuse – non-consensual sexual contact or inappropriate touching.
Psychological or emotional abuse – threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.
Financial or material abuse – theft, fraud, or misuse of someone’s money or property.
Modern slavery – human trafficking, forced labour, or exploitation.
Discriminatory abuse – harassment or unequal treatment based on protected characteristics.
Organisational or institutional abuse – poor practice or neglect within services.
Neglect and acts of omission – failure to meet basic care or medical needs.
Self-neglect – when a person neglects their own health, hygiene, or environment.
The Working Together to Safeguard Children (2023) guidance outlines four key types of abuse in care affecting children:
Physical abuse
Emotional abuse
Sexual abuse
Neglect
Children may also face exploitation, including online grooming, trafficking, and criminal or sexual exploitation. Safeguarding responsibilities extend to harm occurring both inside and outside the home.
Recognising early indicators of abuse is crucial. Staff should remain alert to:
Unexplained injuries or inconsistent explanations
Fearfulness, anxiety, or withdrawal
Sudden behaviour changes
Poor hygiene, nutrition, or living conditions
Missing money or possessions
Control or isolation by a family member or partner
Sexualised behaviour inappropriate for age
Repeated sexually transmitted infections or unplanned pregnancies
Online grooming indicators
Every time abuse is suspected or disclosed, staff must:
Recognise, Record, Report – note exactly what was seen or heard, including time and date.
Never promise confidentiality – explain that information must be shared to protect the person.
Report immediately to the Designated Safeguarding Lead or manager.
Adults: follow your local Care Act procedures; the local authority decides if a Section 42 enquiry is required.
Children: refer to children’s social care or MASH without delay, following Working Together guidance.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999.
The principle of Making Safeguarding Personal should guide all actions: keep the individual’s wishes and wellbeing central to the process.
Being able to identify and act on the types of abuse in care ensures that vulnerable adults and children are protected from harm. It also demonstrates compliance with CQC Regulation 13, reduces risk across your organisation, and builds public trust. Proactive safeguarding is a legal duty, but it is also a moral responsibility rooted in dignity, respect, and compassion.
Staff can build confidence and competence through CareTutor’s safeguarding training, which covers how to recognise, record, and report abuse effectively.
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