Deborah DeCairos Grandmaitre, M.Ed., CCC

Canadian Certified Counsellor

Caregiver: The Four Types of Abuse

The Four Types of Abuse

When dealing with a person with a disability, you might encounter situations that could be considered abuse. It is important for you to know what abuse is in order to prevent it, or report it.

• Physical Abuse:
  Direct infliction of physical pain or injury, shoving, slapping, pinching, hitting, kicking, restriction of freedom or movement, sexual abuse and over/under medication abuse.

• Psychological Abuse:
  Socially isolating, insulting, threatening, yelling at, withholding affection and denying privileges.

• Financial or Material Abuse:
  Such as theft, by a relative or caregiver, of money or object of value belonging to the disabled person (e.g. forging signatures, misuse of money, withholding funds).

• Neglect:
  Failing to provide necessities of life such as adequate heat, food, clothing, cleanliness, and providing inadequate supervision.

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References

1. Canadian Medical Association
2. Canadian Psychological Association
3. Canadian Psychiatric Association
4. www.caringtotheend.com (Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network)
5. The City of Ottawa
6. FM-CFS Canada - Resources for Family, Care-Givers
7. MS Society Ontario
8. Ottawa Pastoral Care Course
9. www.phac-aspc.gc.ca
10. Tapestry House