Discriminatory abuse
There are different types of adult abuse, some of which are also criminal offences. See below for more information about adult abuse, however please also note that evidence of one indicator should not be taken on its own as proof that abuse is happening. The list of indicators is not exhaustive, there are other indicators that do not appear here, and individuals may be subject to more than one type of abuse at the same time.
Types of discriminatory abuse
Unequal treatment based on age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion and belief, sex or sexual orientation (known as ‘protected characteristics’ under the Equality Act 2010)
- Verbal abuse, derogatory remarks or inappropriate use of language related to a protected characteristic
- Denying access to communication aids, not allowing access to an interpreter, signer or lip-reader
- Harassment or deliberate exclusion on the grounds of a protected characteristic
- Denying basic rights to healthcare, education, employment and criminal justice relating to a protected characteristic
- Substandard service provision relating to a protected characteristic
Possible indicators of discriminatory abuse
- The person appears withdrawn and isolated
- Expressions of anger, frustration, fear or anxiety
- The support on offer does not take account of the person’s individual needs in terms of a protected characteristic
Real life example of discriminatory abuse
In Coventry recently, an adult woman was targeted, verbally abused in the street and verbally abused whenever she went outside her home. Her home was broken into and vandalised more than once. The cause of the abuse was the woman's mental health difficulties. and the abusers were both adults and children from the surrounding area.
The woman did not feel safe in her own home and wished to move out of the area to a perceived place of safety.
Professionals became involved and the woman now has regular managed contact with the police and the abusers have been spoken to by the police. She now feels safe.