Institutional abuse

Institutional abuse refers to the maltreatment of a person (often children or older adults) from a system of power. This can range from acts similar to home-based child abuse, such as neglect, physical and sexual abuse, to the effects of assistance programs working below acceptable service standards, or relying on harsh or unfair ways to modify behavior.

Types of Institutional Abuse

Institutional abuse can be divided into two categories: Neglect and Active abuse.

Neglect

Neglect is the most common type of institutional abuse and includes situations where a person's needs are ignored or unmet by the institution responsible for their care. This can include physical neglect, such as not providing adequate food, shelter, or health care. It can also include emotional neglect, such as ignoring a person's emotional needs or failing to provide social interaction.

Active Abuse

Active abuse refers to deliberate acts that cause harm, distress or death to a person within the institution. This can include physical abuse, such as hitting or restraining a person, and emotional abuse, such as bullying, humiliation or constant criticism. It can also include sexual abuse, where a person is forced into sexual activities without their consent.

Effects of Institutional Abuse

The effects of institutional abuse can be severe and long-lasting. They can include physical injuries, such as bruises, burns or broken bones. They can also include psychological effects, such as low self-esteem, depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, institutional abuse can lead to death.

Prevention of Institutional Abuse

Preventing institutional abuse requires a multi-faceted approach. This includes implementing strong policies and procedures, providing regular training for staff, and ensuring a culture of respect and dignity for all individuals within the institution. It also includes regular monitoring and inspections of institutions, and strong laws and regulations to hold institutions accountable.

See Also

• Child abuse
• Elder abuse
• Domestic violence
• Human rights