Types of Abuse

Overview

Abuse is sometimes easy to spot, but not always. It can also be subtle, hidden, complicated and confusing. It’s a deeply personal topic, and it can be upsetting to think about. But it’s really important to talk about what happens in abusive situations, so that we can recognise the warning signs and help to protect people in the future. We all have a responsibility to look out for each other. Especially if your work or volunteer activity brings you into contact with children or vulnerable adults, you need to be aware of the different types of abuse so that you can safeguard people from preventable harm.

By the end of this course, you'll be able to:

  • Explain the main categories of abuse
  • Identify specific types of abuse and abusive situations
  • Recognise some key warning signs of abuse

Why should I take this course?

This course is for people who want to better understand the complex topic of abuse and safeguarding. If you work in education, health, social care, policing or any other field that involves children and vulnerable adults, it’s vital to be aware of the different types of abuse and the warning signs to look out for.