Level 2

Name: Sophie Dickens
Date: 6th May 2014
Unit 5
1.1/ 1.2
There are lots of different warning signs for abuse but not all signs are a result of abuse. So unless there is hard evidence that a form of abuse has occurred, you must observe and communicate with others in order to build up the complete picture. Different forms of abuse have different remedies in law and some have no legal remedies, but can be solved through policies, procedures and guidelines. Abuse often has physical effects and symptoms and are often accompanied by emotional signs and changes in behaviour, but this is not always the case. Changes in behaviour could indicate that an individual is being abused but it could also be a sign of illness, so this must be linked with other factors to build the complete picture.
Physical abuse
  * Hitting/ slapping
  * Pushing
  * Pinching
  * Force feeding
  * Kicking
  * Burning/ scalding
  * Misuse of medication or restraint
  * Catheterisation for the convenience of staff
  * Inappropriate sanctions
  * A carer causing illness or injury to someone in order to gain attention for themselves
  * Refusing access to toilet facilities
  * Leaving people in wet soiled clothing or bedding
The signs to look out for are
  * Multiple bruising or finger marks in unusual areas
  * Fractures - especially twisting fractures - dislocations especially when accompanied with bruising or finger marks
  * Scratches or cuts
  * Pressure ulcers/ sores/ rashes from wet pads/ bedding/ clothes
  * Black eyes or bruised ears
  * Welt marks to back or bottom
  * Scalds or burns
  * A history of unexplained minor falls/ injuries or overdose/ poisoning
  * Explanations not consistent with the injuries
  * Clinical interventions without any clear benefit to the individual
  * Deterioration of health without obvious cause
  * Rapid weight loss
  * Inappropriate/ inadequate or soiled clothing
  * Withdrawal or mood changes
  * Carer's resistance to allowing people...