Abuse and how to report it

Abuse is a distressing and pervasive issue that affects countless individuals all over the world. Whether it involves physical violence, emotional manipulation, sexual assault, or neglect, abuse can have severe and long-lasting effects on the victims. To combat this problem effectively, it is essential to understand the process of reporting abuse and the support mechanisms available in the UK. We aim to shed light on how to report abuse, the legal obligations surrounding reporting, and the resources and services that empower victims to seek justice and rebuild their lives.

Understanding Abuse and Its Forms

Abuse can manifest in various forms, each equally harmful and deserving of intervention. Common types of abuse include domestic, sexual, physical, economic, and emotional or psychological abuse. Recognising the signs and understanding these forms is crucial for accurately identifying abuse and taking appropriate action.

Physical Abuse

Physical abuse refers to the intentional use of physical force against another person, resulting in bodily harm, pain, injury, or impairment. It involves the exertion of physical power with the intent to control, intimidate, or harm the victim. Physical abuse can occur in various settings, including domestic relationships, institutions, workplaces, or public spaces.

Physical abuse includes actions such as hitting, punching, choking, slapping, or any form of physical harm that causes injury. 

Physical abuse can cause immediate physical harm, including pain, injury, or disability, and also long-lasting effects.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse refers to any sexual activity that is non-consensual, unwanted, or coerced and is perpetrated against another person. It involves the use of power, force, manipulation, or threats to control or dominate the victim sexually. Sexual abuse can occur in various contexts, including domestic relationships, institutions, workplaces, or public spaces.

Some examples of sexual abuse include:

• Forced sexual intercourse or rape.
• Sexual touching or groping without consent.
• Sexual exploitation, such as prostitution, pornography, or trafficking.
• Sexual harassment, such as unwelcome sexual advances, comments, or gestures.
• Coercing the victim to perform sexual acts or engage in sexual behaviour they are uncomfortable with.
• Engaging in sexual activity with a minor or someone who cannot give consent due to incapacity, disability, or being under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Any sexual act performed on someone who has explicitly stated they do not want to engage in sexual activity.

Sexual abuse can have profound and long-lasting effects on the victim’s physical and mental health, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Victims of sexual abuse may experience shame, guilt, or self-blame and may find it challenging to seek help or disclose their experiences.

It is important to recognise that sexual abuse is a violation of an individual’s fundamental human rights and is considered a criminal offence.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Emotional or psychological abuse refers to a pattern of behaviour aimed at undermining, manipulating, or controlling another person’s emotions, thoughts, beliefs, or behaviours. It is a form of abuse that primarily targets a person’s psychological well-being and mental health rather than causing physical harm. Emotional abuse can occur in various relationships, including intimate partnerships, parent-child relationships, friendships, or within institutional settings.

Some examples of emotional/psychological abuse include:

• Constant criticism, belittling, or demeaning the victim.
• Verbal insults, name-calling, or using derogatory language.
• Gaslighting, which involves manipulating the victim’s perception of reality, making them doubt their own sanity or memory.
• Isolating the victim from friends, family, or support networks.
• Threatening or intimidating the victim, using fear to control them.
• Controlling or monitoring the victim’s activities, whereabouts, or communication.
• Undermining the victim’s self-esteem or self-worth through constant negative comparisons or humiliation.
• Withholding affection, emotional support, or intentionally causing emotional distress.
• Manipulating the victim’s emotions or exploiting their vulnerabilities for personal gain.
• Ignoring or dismissing the victim’s feelings, needs, or opinions.

Emotional or psychological abuse can have significant and long-lasting effects on a person’s mental and emotional well-being and can negatively impact personal relationships and overall quality of life.

Economic Abuse

Economic abuse refers to a form of control and manipulation that involves exerting power over another person’s financial resources and autonomy. It is a tactic used by abusers to limit the victim’s financial independence, restrict access to money, and exploit their economic vulnerabilities. Economic abuse can occur in various types of relationships, including intimate partnerships, familial relationships, or institutional settings.

Some examples of economic abuse include:

• Controlling or withholding access to financial resources, such as bank accounts, credit cards, or income.
• Forbidding the victim from working or pursuing education to maintain financial dependence.
• Monitoring and scrutinising the victim’s financial transactions, receipts, or spending.
• Creating debt in the victim’s name or misusing their credit.
• Stealing or misappropriating the victim’s money or assets.
• Sabotaging the victim’s employment or education opportunities.
• Forcing the victim to relinquish control of financial decisions or sign documents without consent.
• Using economic resources as a tool of coercion, demanding the victim to comply with certain behaviours or demands in exchange for financial support.

Like with other abuse, economic abuse can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s self-esteem and overall well-being. It can leave the victim financially dependent, isolated, and unable to escape the abusive relationship. Additionally, economic abuse often intersects with other forms of abuse, making the victim even more vulnerable. 

Domestic Abuse 

Domestic violence refers to a pattern of abusive behaviour that occurs within a domestic or intimate relationship, where one person seeks to gain power and control over another. It involves the use of physical, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse to assert dominance and manipulate the victim. Domestic violence can occur in heterosexual or same-sex relationships, between married or unmarried partners, and affects individuals of any age, gender, and socioeconomic background.

Domestic violence is a pervasive and serious issue with severe consequences for the victim’s physical and mental well-being. It is essential to recognise that domestic violence is not limited to physical acts; it can also encompass psychological and emotional harm. It is a violation of human rights and is considered a criminal offence in many jurisdictions.

Reporting Abuse: Legal Obligations and Considerations

Reporting abuse is not just a moral duty but also a legal obligation in the UK. Several laws protect individuals from abuse and stipulate the responsibilities of the public, professionals, and institutions in responding to reports of abuse. The primary legislation in this regard includes the Children Act 1989, the Domestic Violence, Crime and Victims Act 2004, the Sexual Offences Act 2003, and the Care Act 2014. Reporting abuse promptly not only helps protect victims but also contributes to preventing further harm and holding perpetrators accountable.

Steps to Report Abuse

1. Ensure personal safety: If you or someone else is in immediate danger, contact the emergency services by dialling 999.
2. Gather information: Collect any evidence or information that supports your concerns, such as photographs, texts, or witness statements. However, don’t confront the abuser directly, as it may escalate the situation.
3. Identify the appropriate authority: Depending on the type of abuse, different authorities handle reports. If you are unsure who the appropriate authority is, then abuse should be reported to the police by calling 101. They will direct you to the correct authority should it not be them. Speak with your local authority, who will signpost you t the correct department for the type of abuse the victim has suffered. Concerns about child abuse should be directed to the local authority’s children’s services or the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children). Even if the police can not prosecute due to a lack of evidence, then there are ways of making a civil case through court orders and injunctions. The best way is to contact a solicitor who specialises in abuse. Citizens Advice Bureau will also be able to signpost you in the correct direction and provide you with impartial advice.
4. Make the report: Contact the relevant authority and provide them with accurate and detailed information about the abuse, including any supporting evidence. Ensure you communicate any immediate risks or concerns. If you are contacting the police and there is no immediate danger, then call 101 to report the crime, as this keeps the 999 lines free for when an immediate emergency response is needed. 
5. Confidentiality and anonymity: If desired, discuss with the reporting authority the options for confidentiality and anonymity, as they can provide support while maintaining your privacy.
6. Follow-up and support: Cooperate with the authorities throughout the investigation process. Seek emotional support from friends, family, or helplines listed in the next section.

Support Services and Resources

Various support services are available to assist victims of abuse in the UK. Organisations such as:

Age UK: 0800 678 1602 https://www.ageuk.org.uk/

National Domestic Abuse: 0808 2000 247 www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428 https://galop.org.uk/get-help/helplines/

Safeline: 01926 402 498 https://safeline.org.uk/

Samaritans: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/

The Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327 https://mensadviceline.org.uk/

Victim Support: 08 08 16 89 111 https://www.victimsupport.org.uk/

Women’s Aid: https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

Reporting abuse is a critical step towards protecting victims, preventing further harm, and holding perpetrators accountable. The UK has legal frameworks and support services in place to address abuse effectively. By understanding the reporting process, legal obligations, and available resources, we can empower victims to seek justice and rebuild their lives. 

Together, we can create a society that prioritises the safety, well-being, and dignity of all individuals.