Forms of abuse

Abuse is characterised by an imbalance of power and control that has harmful physical or psychological sequelae for the recipient. People with developmental disability often experience multiple forms of abuse, including:

• domestic and family violence
• physical abuse
• sexual abuse
• inappropriate and unauthorised use of medical, physical or other forms of restraint
• neglect (including inadequate support or funding)
• purposeful social isolation and denial of intimacy
• financial abuse and exploitation
• psychological and emotional abuse and exploitation, such as threats, stalking, and harassment or bullying (including cyberbullying)
• elder abuse
• factitious disorder imposed on another (FDIA).

The person’s abuser could be any person(s), including those who are otherwise trusted to uphold good care, including:

• a family member
• a person providing support (paid or unpaid)
• another person with a disability (eg a co-tenant in disability accommodation or mental health facility)
• a community member (known or unknown)
• a medical professional or service provider.