Understanding adult abuse

Abuse is an intentional or unintentional act that harms, hurts or exploits another individual/s. 

Abuse can take many forms, but no type of abuse is acceptable. 

Further information is available on the  Avon and Somerset Police's Lighthouse Victim and Witness Care website. 

Coercive and controlling behaviour

More information about what counts as coercive and controlling behaviour in relationships, and support to get out

Discriminatory abuse

More information about discriminatory abuse against adults, including warning signs to look out for

Domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships

More information about domestic abuse and unhealthy relationships, including warning signs to look out for

Financial or material abuse

More information about financial or material abuse against adults, including warning signs to look out for

Modern slavery and trafficking

Definitions of exploitation in the workplace, including instances of modern slavery, organisational and discriminatory abuse, and trafficking

Neglect and acts of omission

Definitions of abuse by neglect in adults and the warning signs to look out for

Organisational abuse

Definitions of organisational abuse against adults, and the warning signs to look out for

Physical abuse and non-fatal strangulation

Definitions of physical abuse and strangulation against adults, including warning signs to look out for and how to get help

Psychological and emotional abuse

Definitions of emotional and psychological abuse, including warning signs to look out for

Self-neglect

More information about self-neglect in adults and the warning signs to look out for

Sexual abuse

More information about sexual abuse in adults, including warning signs to look out for

So-called honour based abuse

More information about honour based abuse, including forced marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) and how to report it

Stalking and harassment

Definition and examples of stalking and harassing behaviour, and how to get help