Organisational abuse

Organisational abuse is the inability to provide a good level of care to an individual or group of people in a care setting. This can include a hospital or care home, or in a person’s own home if they receive care assistance there. 

It may be a one-off incident, repeated incidents or on-going ill-treatment. 

It could be due to neglect or poor care because of the arrangements, processes and practices in an organisation. 

This could include: 

  • a lack of dignity or respect in a care setting 
  • rigid routines or processes organised to meet staff needs rather than the individuals 
  • disrespectful attitudes towards individuals receiving care 
  • a culture of abusive behaviour or tolerance of abusive behaviour 
  • repeated failure to prevent abuse or neglect within a service; including incorrect use of restraint, isolation, or unauthorised deprivations of liberty.

These may include: 

  • treating adults like children 
  • strict or inflexible routines or schedules for daily activities such as mealtimes, bed/awakening times, bathing/washing, going to the toilet 
  • withholding or refusing necessary medication.

If you are concerned that you or someone you know is a victim of organisational abuse, please report it.

If someone is in immediate danger call 999.