We can all contribute towards tackling this awful crime, and knowing the methods that traffickers use, and the signs associated with them, is an important part of this.

Within this article, we will explain what human trafficking is, who is most likely to be a victim and the methods that traffickers use to exploit people. Finally, we will explain what you must do, should you suspect that human trafficking is occurring.

What is Human Trafficking?

As defined by the Modern Slavery Act 2015, human trafficking is ‘the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of persons, using:

• Threats and force or other forms of coercion;
• Abduction;
• Fraud and deception;
• Abuse of power or abuse of a position of vulnerability, and
• The giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve control over another person for the purpose of exploitation.’

Human trafficking is a global issue. Traffickers take people from one area of a country to another, or across borders, and force them into exploitation when they arrive.

Trafficked people can be exploited sexually, placed in domestic servitude, agricultural work, manufacturing or construction, or forced to beg or participate in organ harvesting, amongst a range of other exploitative activities.

Why Does Human Trafficking Happen?

Perpetrators of human trafficking do so for monetary and financial gain. They are aided by the fact that it remains a very hidden crime and one that is difficult to detect. Many victims live in fear of their exploiters and will never speak up about what they are enduring.

Who are Human Trafficking Victims?

Human traffickers deliberately target people who they believe will be ‘easy to exploit’. They provide false promises of lucrative jobs, stability, education, income or romance to attract people.

Victims might be any gender, adults, children or even newborn babies, and they can have varied educational, socio-economic, ethnic and religious backgrounds. Human trafficking is not restricted to a certain demographic.

However, we do know that certain groups of people are at higher risk of being trafficked, including women and girls for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Refugee camps are also commonly targeted by traffickers – for those experiencing poor living conditions, promises of a job and home elsewhere seem much more convincing.

Signs of Human Trafficking

As we have said, victims of human trafficking will likely not disclose what they are experiencing. This is why having an awareness of the signs and remaining vigilant is crucial. A person who has been trafficked may:

• Show signs of physical and emotional abuse, including injuries and low self-esteem.
• Appear malnourished, have untreated medical problems and have an unkempt appearance.
• Live in overcrowded and dirty conditions.
• Avoid eye contact and social interaction.
• Act like they have been instructed by someone else, particularly with what to say in conversations, and like they have been coerced into doing something.
• Appear to be monitored or watched closely by someone else.
• Have little or no official documentation, including a passport.
• Have little or no personal possessions. For example, they may wear the same dirty clothes every day.
• Ask for permission or struggle to make a decision on simple things, such as to use the toilet.
• Be distrustful of authorities.

Methods of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is based on the deception and exploitation of innocent, unsuspecting people. Common methods used to traffick humans include:

• Seduction and romance.
• False job advertisements.
• Lies about educational or travel opportunities.
• Sale by family.
• Recruitment through former slaves.
• Abuse of religious beliefs.
• Abduction.
• Forced pregnancy or sale.

We will cover each of these in more detail through the rest of this article:

Seduction and Romance

One of the most common methods of human trafficking is the use of seduction and romance. In these cases, a person (sometimes referred to as a ‘Loverboy’ or ‘Romeo Pimp’) seduces someone else, in order to force them into prostitution or other illegal work. It is a form of grooming and abuse.

These people form romantic relationships with their victims, however the relationship quickly turns into an emotionally abusive one. Blackmail and violence is often used to intimidate victims into compliance.

They might also paint a picture of a better life together abroad or elsewhere in a country. This is with the aim of isolating the victim from their family or community and, in some cases, forcing them to move to a country where they can’t speak the common language. Using romance in this way makes it easier for traffickers to move their victims across borders, as they will often go willingly.

False Job Advertisements

Another common method that traffickers use is enticing people with false job advertisements or travel opportunities. 

They often post job opportunities on legitimate websites, using a registered business as a front. They also target places where they know people are looking for ways to leave or make a life elsewhere, such as countries experiencing an economic downtown or instability. These jobs are often for nanny or au pair positions, or in the hospitality or tourism industry.

Trafficked people will usually pay for their own flights and arrive in the country legally with all their documents. On arrival, these are seized and the victim is forced to comply through a series of abusive acts, including torture and the forced consumption of drugs and alcohol.

Sale by Family

In some areas of the world, unimaginable levels of poverty, debt, desperation and displacement cause families to sell their children to traffickers. It is also the pressure to alleviate these hardships and bring some money to the family that causes some families to sell a child into modern slavery.

In rare cases, some families build relationships with traffickers and will misrepresent the nature of the work to persuade other families to sell their children.

Recruitment through Former Slaves

In some cases, former slaves might recruit new people into the trafficking network. They may earn ‘commission’ from their exploiters for each new person they recruit, or be promised greater freedoms if they do so.

Abuse of Religious Beliefs

Religious beliefs are often exploited by traffickers as a way to recruit and coerce victims and ensure compliance. This is achieved through suggestions that this is the way things are meant to be and ‘God’s will’. 

Victims may be made to take oaths, swearing that they will obey their trafficker, repay their ‘debts’ and not run away. These oaths act as psychological bonds, placing victims in a state of compliance without having to use threats or violence.

Abduction

Although it does still happen, abduction is a rarer method of human trafficking than deception through romance or job advertisements, for example. This is because abducted victims are more likely to escape during their transportation if they have not gone willingly.

Forced Pregnancy or Sale

In some cases, human trafficking happens even before babies are born. The term ‘baby factory’ (also known as ‘baby harvesting’ or ‘baby farming’) refers to the forced impregnation, sale or illegal adoption of an infant, in a location where a woman or girl is held against her will. Most of the time, these girls are underage and their babies are sold once they are born. 

Baby farming operations usually happen in registered organisations. These are disguised to look like hospitals, maternity homes, orphanages and rehabilitation centres, and the people working in them are unregistered.

Responding to Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is an inhumane and dreadful crime. In order for it to be reduced, it is important to build awareness. Learning about human trafficking, the methods traffickers use and the signs of its occurrence is the first step you can take to build your own awareness and increase your vigilance. 

If you believe that it is happening in your area, or you believe that somebody you know is a victim of it, you must speak out. Do not leave it to someone else. Victims will often not speak out themselves as the trafficker may have threatened them or their family if they do so, or language barriers may prevent them from asking for help, so you could be their only lifeline. You can contact the police or report it directly to the Modern Slavery Helpline.

Human traffickers use a variety of methods to exploit people, including false job advertisements, lies about opportunities and abduction. We all have a responsibility to be aware of such methods and to act if we believe somebody is at risk of, or is, being trafficked. Our Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery course can help you to learn more about your responsibilities and this issue.

Further Resources:

• Writing a Modern Slavery Policy: Guidance for Employers
• Warning Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Signs of Abuse in Adults
• Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery Online Training
• What is the Difference between Arranged Marriage and Forced Marriage?
• Safeguarding Training

The post Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

The initial decision to use drugs or alcohol is voluntary for most people, but repeated drug use can lead to brain changes that challenge the individual’s self-control and ability to resist urges to use the substance. No matter what the reason for using drugs or alcohol is, people can misuse them and become addicted which can lead to legal convictions. This article outlines what drug and alcohol abuse is, how to recognise it, the causes and how to prevent addiction.

What is Drug and Alcohol Abuse?

Drug and alcohol abuse is a recognised, medical brain disorder that is also known as substance abuse. It is described as a pattern of using a substance that causes significant problems or distress. This distress may be physical, emotional or behavioural.

Drug and alcohol use does not always lead to abuse. Some people use drugs or drink alcohol without experiencing the negative effects, while others that use these substances find it takes a toll on their health and wellbeing. Similarly, there is no specific point at which drug and alcohol use moves from use to abuse.

However, there is a distinct difference between abuse and addiction:

Abuse – when an individual is using a substance to the point that it is causing problems in their life, but they are still in control of their consumption. However, abuse often leads to addiction.

Addiction – an uncontrollable and compulsive use of drugs or alcohol, despite the negative health and social consequences it has. For some people, the urge to get and use substances can fill every minute of every day.

Drug and alcohol abuse is less about the type, amount, or frequency consumed and more about the consequences of use. For example, if substance use is causing problems at work, school, home or in relationships, it is likely that the individual has a substance abuse problem. Also, drug abuse doesn’t just refer to illegal drugs, it can include legal drugs such as prescription medications.

On the other hand, if an individual is addicted to or abusing a substance, when they don’t take it they experience withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms can include: nausea, depression, shaking, sweating, tremors and vomiting. Due to the unpleasant nature of withdrawal symptoms, most people find it is easier to carry on using the substance.

When someone uses drugs or alcohol, they experience a ‘high’. The more often they use the substance the higher their tolerance becomes. As a result, the next time they use the substance they need to take a larger amount to experience that same high. This is how substance use can become out of control, as increasing amounts are being taken each time to satisfy a craving.

Substances most often abused include:

• Alcohol.
• Nicotine.
• Prescription medication e.g. pain killers, sleeping tablets or antidepressants.
• Cocaine.
• Marijuana.
• Heroin.

Drug Abuse

Drug abuse includes legal and illegal drugs. Using legal drugs in a way you shouldn’t, such as taking more than the regular dose or using someone else’s prescription to experience a ‘high’, is drug abuse. Using illegal drugs in any way, shape or form is drug abuse. Illegal drug use is always considered misuse.

There are different types of drug abuse, including:

• Prescription drug abuse – using a prescribed drug for nonmedical purposes or that wasn’t prescribed to you is substance misuse.
• Illegal drug abuse – illegal drugs are illicit due to the detrimental effects the substances have; therefore, illegal drug use is always substance abuse.  
• Alcohol abuse – alcohol abuse can be hard to detect as alcohol is legal and socially acceptable. However, regularly drinking more than the recommended amount or binge drinking is alcohol abuse.
• Solvent abuse – solvent abuse is the deliberate inhalation of chemicals for the purpose of experiencing a ‘high’. Commonly abused solvents are often found in household items, such as aerosol cans or glue. The effects of solvents can last between 15 – 45 minutes.
• Legal high abuse – these drugs mimic the effects of illegal drugs. The levels of addiction are low; however, the drugs are untested and unfamiliar making their use substance misuse.

Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse is defined as a pattern of drinking that results in harm to an individual’s health, relationships and ability to work. It is a chronic disease associated with experiencing withdrawal symptoms and a loss of control.

Individuals who abuse or misuse alcohol are not necessarily addicted or dependent, they also don’t necessarily drink every day. For example, someone who suffers from alcohol abuse may only drink once a week but when they do, they may put themselves or others in danger.

Alcoholism is an occasional pattern of drinking which can damage an individual’s health. The effects of alcohol vary between people and there are factors that influence those effects such as age, health and family history.

Alcohol abuse includes:

• Binge drinking – this is classed as five or more drinks within two hours. It occurs most in people under 34 years old and can lead to problems such as alcohol poisoning and memory problems.
• Heavy drinking – this is classed as eight or more drinks a week for a woman and 15 or more drinks a week for a man. If this habit begins to cause social, legal or personal problems and you continue to drink, you may need to examine your relationship with alcohol.
• Teen alcohol use – many teenagers misuse alcohol due to peer pressure. Signs of alcohol misuse in teens include: having alcohol paraphernalia, concentration problems, low energy and behavioural issues.

What are the Causes of Drug and Alcohol Abuse?

There is no single cause for drug or alcohol abuse, in fact there are dozens of risk factors involved. Causes of abuse are different for everyone, therefore it is hard to create a definitive list that applies to each individual. However, most causes of drug or alcohol abuse are internal or external.  

Internal factors include genetics, psychological causes, personality and drug and alcohol history. External factors include family, environment, education and age. The vast number of causes and factors involved with drug and alcohol abuse make it nearly impossible to accurately predict if someone will develop an abuse problem or how to prevent it.

General reasons why people turn to drug or alcohol abuse include:

• Being surrounded by other substance abusers.
• Stress from unemployment.
• Money struggles.
• Peer pressure.
• To cope with mental illness.
• To cope with the feeling of failure.
• To cope with a history of abuse.

Drug abuse often starts small as ‘trying something new’ or even as a much-needed prescription. This can become frequent use and turn into a necessity. Injectable and smoked drugs are often more addictive as they affect the brain right away.

Alcohol abuse often starts with recreational drinking such as in social situations. This can spiral to a point where the individual is no longer in control of their drinking. Therefore, it is important to recognise the signs of alcohol abuse in order to determine the difference between someone using or abusing alcohol.

How to Recognise the Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Although drug and alcohol abuse is common, it is not always easy to notice. Therefore, it is helpful to be aware of the potential signs of drug and alcohol abuse so you know when to seek help.

Below are some general signs of drug abuse:

To help identify whether you or a loved one may be suffering from drug or alcohol abuse, there are some questions you could ask, including:

• Have you felt irritated by the concern or criticism of your alcohol or drug use by those around you, such as family member, friends, colleagues or teachers?
• Have you ever thought of reducing your drinking or drug intake?
• Have you ever felt guilty about your drug or alcohol consumption?
• Do you find yourself craving a drink or other substances throughout the day?
• In the last year, have you failed to meet an obligation because of drinking or drugs?
• Have you or someone else been injured due to your alcohol or drug use?

These questions should not be considered an official diagnosis. However, if you answered ‘yes’ to one or more of these questions, you should be motivated to seek help.

What are the Problems Caused by Drug and Alcohol Abuse?

Drug and alcohol abuse can lead to social, emotional and physical problems.

Social problems can occur at school or work, such as poor academic performance due to physical problems like brain damage. Other implications of alcohol or drug abuse can be financial due to the expense of buying the substances or missing work. There are also legal problems associated, such as driving over the limit if drinking alcohol, or being arrested for taking an illegal drug.

Emotional problems related to alcohol or drug abuse can be seen in attitude changes such as the individual becoming aggressive or argumentative. There are also implications for the individual’s mental health – drugs and alcohol are both depressants and can lead to depression, anxiety and paranoia.

Physical problems such as damage to the liver, having high blood pressure and a higher risk of getting cancer can be a result of drug or alcohol abuse. Other physical problems caused include neglecting personal hygiene as well as poor oral health. Drugs and alcohol also have a number of effects on the brain including direct damage, injury and death of brain cells.

Different substances induce these effects to different degrees. Depending on the type of damage, it may be possible to reverse the effects caused by drug and alcohol abuse.

How to Prevent Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Early use of drugs and alcohol increases a person’s chances of becoming addicted, therefore adolescence is a critical time for preventing addiction. Teenagers are still developing their identity and important life skills, and experimenting with drugs or alcohol can unknowingly set them up for a potentially life-threatening habit.

Although it cannot be said that there are definitive ways to prevent drug or alcohol abuse, there are a few ways you can attempt to prevent it including:

Educational tools – educating people about the effects of drug use through school, work or government agencies could minimise possible or existing drug use. Some educational interventions focus on preventative techniques whereas others focus on raising awareness in people that already use substances. Introducing the option of alcohol free and low alcohol drinks and educating people on them as well.

Family influence – talking about the consequences of drugs and alcohol, especially with teenagers, can create a strong awareness of substance use. Teaching boundaries, educating and communicating can strengthen the trust in relationships and hopefully lead to the teenager or family member making wise decisions regarding drugs and alcohol.

When having a discussion with a teenager or loved one about drugs and alcohol there are a few important things to remember. Choose a time where you are unlikely to be interrupted and set aside any distractions such as phones. It is also important to have the conversation when neither person is angry, irritated or under the influence.

A few things to discuss could include:

• Asking for their view on drugs and alcohol.
• Discussing reasons not to use drugs or alcohol.
• Considering media misconceptions.
• Discussing ways to resist peer pressure.
• Discussing your own drug or alcohol use.
• Establishing ground rules and consequences.
• Providing support and a non-judgemental approach.

Another way to prevent substance abuse is through educating yourself and others on the potential risk factors and causes of drug and alcohol abuse. Being aware of the causes will make you more likely to overcome them. For example, this article explains that people turn to substance abuse to cope with mental health issues. If you are, or someone you know is struggling with mental health, seeking help from a professional will help you overcome your symptoms without the need to turn to drugs or alcohol.

As well as preventing drug and alcohol abuse before it has started, it is also important to know how to prevent it happening again after recovery. Relapse is very common even after successful treatment and is most likely to occur within the first 12 months out of treatment. Relapse can happen for a number of reasons and triggers are different for everyone. It is also important to note that anyone can relapse whether they have been sober for one day or 20 years.

A few triggers and explanations for why people relapse can be due to:

• Anxiety.
• Depression.
• Exhaustion.
• Stress.
• Isolation.
• Lack of support.
• Lack of self-esteem.
• Feeling of failure.
• Using the substance for self-harm.
• Needing help.
• Overconfidence, for example thinking ‘one drink won’t hurt’.

There are also a few things you can do to address your own, or a loved one’s urges, including:

• Distract yourself.
• Share your thoughts.
• Consider the consequences.
• Relax and unwind.

Relapse does not mean failure. Everyone is allowed to make mistakes and everyday sober should be celebrated. Think of it as one step back, but two steps forward.

How to Help Someone with a Drug or Alcohol Addiction

Drugs and alcohol can have serious negative effects on all aspects of an individual’s life. If you have identified any of the signs mentioned in this article in yourself or someone you love, you may want to reach out for help.

Looking to Learn More?

For further information about substance abuse, try our drug and alcohol awareness training. It outlines how to spot signs of a problems including how to support those suffering substance abuse.

It is common for those suffering to display a negative attitude or behaviour when confronted about their substance use. This can include, but is not limited to, denial, anger and avoidance.

Important points to remember when trying to help someone with a substance abuse problem are:

• Use compassion in your approach.
• Don’t focus on guilt or shame.
• Encourage healthy habits.
• Don’t enable them.
• Take care of yourself.
• Remain positive.

There is wealth of information and support available for anyone suffering from drug or alcohol abuse. Getting the right support can be crucial to overcoming the abuse and maintaining control in the future. The first step is often to get in contact with your GP, however there are some other services you can reach out to for help and advice.

The following organisations offer drug abuse help:

Frank is a free, confidential helpline that you can call on 0300 123 6600, text on 82111 or email for advice and support.

Narcotics Anonymous provides a helpline you can call on 0300 999 1212. They also provide regular self-help meetings for people who want to stop using drugs or alcohol.

Action Addiction provides a range of abstinence-based treatment services for people dependent on alcohol or drugs. Call 0300 330 0659.

You can access help for alcohol abuse through the following:

Drinkline is a national alcohol helpline, call 0300 123 1110 for free and confidential help. Open weekdays 9am-8pm and weekends 11am-4pm.

Alcoholics Anonymous is a free self-help group with a 12-step programme providing regular support groups.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (NACOA) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. You can call them on 0800 358 3456.

Further Resources:

• Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training
• A Guide to the Different Types of Substance Abuse
• Drug and Alcohol Awareness Quiz
• Drugs in the Workplace: What Employers Need to Know

The post A Guide on Recognising the Signs of Drug and Alcohol Abuse appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

This number is worryingly high already, but what’s worse is that the actual number will likely be much higher as a large number of cases go unreported. This might be because the abuser is skilled at hiding their abuse, the victim is too fearful or cannot speak out about their abuse (for example, if they have had a stroke that resulted in communication difficulties), or the victim lacks the capacity to understand that what they are experiencing is abuse. As a result, if you work with adults, it’s crucial that you are aware of the signs that may indicate an adult is being abused.

Types of Adult Abuse

Abuse or neglect can be categorised depending on their type. While there are many different types, the Care Act 2014 provides ten categories that adult abuse may form part of:

1. Physical abuse
2. Domestic violence
3. Psychological abuse
4. Sexual abuse
5. Financial or material abuse
6. Modern slavery
7. Discriminatory abuse
8. Organisational abuse
9. Neglect and acts of omission
10. Self-neglect

Many instances of abuse often co-exist; for example, an adult who is being domestically abused may also be suffering from psychological and sexual abuse.

Abuse may be a one-off occurrence or multiple incidents, and one person may be affected or it may form part of a wider pattern of harm – for example, if organisational abuse affects all service users in an organisation. Exploitation is a type of abuse that forms part of this: those who are criminally exploited may unknowingly be part of a much wider criminal network.

Anybody may fall victim to abuse, with all adults (those aged 18 and over) potentially being affected. However, there are some situations that put an adult at increased risk of harm. For example, people with particular care and support needs, such as dementia or a learning disability, may struggle to communicate what is happening to them, or their communication may be misinterpreted as a symptom of their condition. Sadly, abusers target these adults knowing this. This is why it’s so crucial for you to know the signs.

Signs of Physical Abuse in Adults

Physical abuse is any deliberate act of force against a person that results in physical harm, injury or trauma. This includes hitting, kicking, burning, scalding, biting, or pushing. It also 

includes the misuse of medication, forced feeding or withholding of food, and incorrect use of restrictive practices – where there is unauthorised use of restraint against an individual or unwarranted confinement.

Signs of physical abuse are often evident, although they may be well hidden by the abuser. The victim may also hide any physical evidence: they may love the perpetrator and not want to get them into trouble, or be too fearful to speak out or be questioned on it. Potential indicators of physical abuse include:

• Broken bones, bruises, marks on the body, or bite, burn or scald marks.
• Frequent injuries that are unexplained or inconsistent with the account of what happened.
• Unexplained falls.
• Signs of malnutrition.
• Missed medical appointments or medical conditions left untreated.

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Signs of Domestic Abuse in Adults

Domestic abuse is abuse between two people who are over the age of 16 and who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members. It encompasses controlling, coercive or threatening behaviour and violence.

This type of abuse can include lots of other types of abuse, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial, as well as ‘honour-based’ abuse such as forced marriage. As a result, you may be able to detect domestic abuse through the indicators of other types of abuse. This includes:

• Physical indicators, such as bruising or broken bones.
• Psychological indicators, such as being isolated from friends or family, low self-esteem, blaming themselves for things (including their abuse), and humiliation in front of others.
• Financial indicators, such as limited access to money and damage to the home or other property, such as cars.

Coercive control is a core aspect of domestic abuse. This is any behaviour designed to control an individual, and includes behaviours such as regulating behaviour, punishing or frightening someone, isolating them, exploiting their resources or money, or assaulting, threatening, humiliating or intimidating them. 

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Signs of Psychological Abuse in Adults

Psychological (also referred to as emotional) abuse is any type of behaviour that involves emotional mistreatment of a person. It includes threats of harm or abandonment, enforced social isolation (such as preventing someone from seeing their family or accessing external services, like education), not respecting privacy, intimidating, coercing or threatening someone, cyber-bullying, or preventing someone from meeting their religious and cultural needs, their expression of choice and opinion, or meaningful activities and stimulation. In relationships, psychological abuse can also include harassing partners about imagined affairs or other false claims.

Signs of psychological abuse include:

• Low self-esteem, or withdrawal or change in the emotional state of the person.
• Changes in appetite, or weight loss or gain.
• Insomnia.
• Tearfulness and other signs of distress, including anger in some cases.
• Fearfulness or silence when a particular person is around.

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Signs of Sexual Abuse in Adults

Sexual abuse is where an individual is forced, pressured or tricked into taking part in sexual activity with another person. The person may have expressed that they didn’t want to be involved, may not be able to give consent or may not have the capacity to understand what is happening. 

Sexual abuse includes rape, indecent exposure, inappropriate looking or touching, sexual harassment, teasing or innuendo, sexual photography or subjection to pornography or witnessing sexual acts that the adult has not consented to or was pressured into consenting to. Sexual abuse can occur in relationships – for example, if somebody rapes their partner or regulates their access to birth control.

Signs of sexual abuse include:

• Bleeding, pain, itching or sores around the genitals.
• Pain or discomfort when walking or sitting.
• Bruising, especially on the thighs, buttocks, upper arms and neck.
• Torn, blooded or stained clothing (e.g. from discharge).
• STIs, unexplained genital discharge or incontinence that is unrelated to a medical diagnosis.
• Unexplained pregnancy, for example in a woman who is unable to consent to intercourse.
• Sleeping difficulties, self-harm, withdrawal, poor concentration, apprehension about relationships, or reluctance to be left alone with a certain person.
• Not wanting to receive help with personal care.
• Explicit use of sexual language or changes in attitude and behaviour towards sexual activity. 

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Signs of Financial or Material Abuse in Adults

Financial or material abuse involves someone using or misusing money to control a person’s actions and their freedom, and using their funds or belongings without their permission. Types of financial abuse include scams (both online and in-person), theft, fraud, coercion of an adult for their financial affairs or arrangements – such as their will, property or inheritance – or the misuse or misappropriation of property, possessions or benefits. 

Financial or material abuse may present itself in some health and social care environments – for example, misuse of personal allowance in a care home, arranging less care than is needed to ‘save money’ (and then pocketing the difference or maximising inheritance) or denying assistance to access benefits. Additionally, those adults who live alone may be more at risk of scams or rogue trading – where unnecessary, poor-quality or overpriced property repairs are carried out, or fail to be carried out after being paid for.

Signs that may indicate financial or material abuse in adults are:

• Unexplained lack of money, withdrawal of funds from accounts, or misplaced personal possessions.
• Rent arrears or evictions.
• Disparity between the person’s living conditions and their finances.
• People showing an unusual interest in the individual’s finances and assets.
• Changes in the deeds or title to an adult’s property.
• Lack of financial records in a care service.

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Signs of Modern Slavery in Adults 

Modern slavery is any act of recruitment, movement, harbouring, or receiving of people through the use of force, coercion, abuse of power, deception, or other means, for the purpose of exploitation. 

Modern slavery is a very serious and broad category of abuse and encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. For victims of modern slavery, their life is completely out of their own control, so being aware of its signs and acting on them is very important.

Signs that an adult may be a victim of modern slavery are very similar to signs of other forms of abuse, often because a person who is victim of modern slavery will experience other types of abuse as well. You should be concerned when a person:

• Appears malnourished or unkempt; for example, they wear the same clothes every day.
• Seems withdrawn, avoids eye contact or appears hesitant or frightened of others.
• Is isolated, rarely being allowed on their own or seemingly being under the control and influence of others.
• Has few, or no, personal possessions.
• Lacks identification documents.
• Lives in poor conditions, such as dirty, cramped, or overcrowded places.
• Fears law enforcement officers.
• Shows signs of physical and psychological abuse.

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Signs of Discriminatory Abuse in Adults

Discriminatory abuse occurs when an individual or group is treated unequally because they possess one of the protected characteristics outlined by the Equality Act 2010. These characteristics are age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, and religion or belief.

This type of abuse includes derogatory comments, jokes or slurs, denying access to services, hate crime, ignoring someone’s views, unfair treatment, and denying somebody’s rights to healthcare, education or employment because of a protected characteristic. For example, denying access to communication aids (such as an interpreter or lip-reader) because of the religion somebody follows would be discriminatory abuse.

Signs that an adult is experiencing discriminatory abuse include:

• Behavioural changes, including an individual becoming withdrawn, isolated, angry, frustrated, fearful and anxious.
• A lack of support for an individual’s needs. For example, if they need to use a wheelchair but are denied access to ramps.
• An individual beginning to reject their own cultural background, personal beliefs, sexual preferences or lifestyle choices.

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Signs of Organisational Abuse in Adults

Organisational abuse is where an organisation prioritises their own needs over those of their service users and people they support. Examples include making all service users in a care home eat dinner at the same time so that kitchen staff can finish earlier, or making all service users go to bed at the same time so that it’s ‘easier’ for staff.

It also includes neglect or poor care practice within an institution or specific care setting, such as no respect for privacy and dignity, discouraging visits, failing to respond to complaints, not promoting choice and independence, and failing to assist with eating where necessary. Organisational abuse may be a result of an organisation’s policies, structures or procedures, or it may be caused by high staff turnover, lack of leadership or supervision, or rigid routines being enforced by management.

Signs of organisational abuse include:

• Rigid routines and a lack of flexibility and choice for service users.
• Lack of staff training, development and support.
• Poor standards of care, including people being hungry or dehydrated.
• Misuse of medication.
• Inadequate staffing levels, procedures and record-keeping.
• Lack of individual care plans.
• Few social, recreational and educational activities, and an absence of visitors.
• Lack of privacy and confidentiality, including public discussion of personal matters, and exposure when somebody is using the toilet or bathing.

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Signs of Neglect in Adults

Neglect and acts of omission occur when somebody who has responsibility for the care of an adult fails to provide the amount and type of care that the person requires. For example, not providing adequate food, shelter, clothing, activity, personal or medical care, and aids such as glasses, dentures and hearing aids. It also includes mistreatment, such as delivering care in a way a person dislikes, ignoring or isolating them, and ignoring someone’s specific care needs (including physical, medical, cultural and recreational needs).

Neglect may be a result of deliberate mistreatment, but it may also be an unintended consequence of somebody not having the ability to care for someone. For example, an elderly couple may both reside at their own home and one of them may have dementia. The other person may not be able to provide the level of care that the person with dementia requires and some of their care needs may be neglected. This neglect would be the result of an inability to provide full and appropriate care, rather than deliberate mistreatment.

Signs that an adult may be experiencing neglect include:

• A dirty or unhygienic environment.
• Poor personal hygiene.
• Inadequate clothing.
• Injuries or medical problems untreated, pressure sores or ulcers, or malnutrition or unexplained weight loss.
• Lacking contact with medical or social care organisations.
• Build-up of untaken medication.

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Signs of Self-Neglect in Adults

Self-neglect is the name given when an individual fails, or refuses, to take care of their own basic needs. It includes a lack of self-care to the extent that it threatens health and safety; for example, they may hoard things in their home which create a trip hazard, or they may refuse to take their medication which can have detrimental effects on their health.

It also includes not caring for personal hygiene, health or surroundings, an inability to avoid self-harm, failing to seek help from medical services or access services, or an inability or unwillingness to manage their own personal affairs.

There are many reasons for self-neglect – an individual may face difficulties with their mental health, struggle with addiction or lack the mental capacity to care for themselves.

Signs of self-neglect in adults include:

• Poor personal hygiene and an unkempt appearance.
• Lack of essential food, clothing or shelter.
• Poor living conditions, including living in unsanitary conditions, neglecting household maintenance or hoarding.
• Malnutrition and/or dehydration.
• Unwillingness to take medication, treat illnesses or injuries or comply with health or care services.

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What Can I Do if I Recognise Abuse?

If you recognise any of these signs, and are concerned an adult is the victim of abuse, then it’s essential you act on your concerns. Failing to act may make the perpetrator think they are getting away with it, and the abuse may escalate or they may begin to target other adults. Speaking out about abuse can even save somebody’s life.

If you think that somebody is being abused, you can firstly talk to them and see if there’s anything you can do to help. Remember that they may not want to talk about it straight away, especially if they have spent a long time hiding it, if they are being coerced or threatened, or if the abuser is someone they know and trust, and even love. Talk to them in private and mention some signs you’ve noticed that concern you. Give the individual a chance to talk as much as they want to.

If they do confide in you about abuse, stay calm and don’t let your shock or emotions show. Do not promise them that you will keep it a secret. Ask them what they would like to do, informing them who they can talk to about their abuse or that you are able to help them and get support on their behalf. Give them time to think about what they want to do – however, if there is an immediate threat to their safety, contact the police without delay.

If somebody wants your help, you can:

• Contact professionals, such as the adult’s GP or social worker (if they have one).
• If you work in an organisation that provides care and support to individuals (such as a care home), speak to your line manager or the person with lead responsibility for safeguarding and report your concerns, following your organisation’s agreed ways of working.
• If the abuse is part of a wider pattern of harm and wrongdoing in your organisation, you could proceed by whistleblowing.
• Contact the individual’s local council – every local authority has a dedicated adult safeguarding team. You can find the details you need for local councils online.
• Speak to the necessary services; if a crime has been committed, the police should be informed, or if somebody is seriously hurt as a result of abuse then you should call for an ambulance.
• Make contact with a dedicated helpline or charity, such as Hourglass (Action on Elder Abuse) or Refuge (for victims of domestic violence) who will be able to help.

At all times, remember to support the adult, reassure them that the abuse was not their fault and you are here to help them, and keep them informed as any inquiries progress.

Remaining vigilant to signs of abuse in adults is extremely important – in some cases it could save an individual’s life. The ten types of abuse often coexist and signs overlap, so it’s possible an adult who is being abused may show many different signs and indicators. Speak to the adult if you have any concerns, and do not delay if they are in immediate danger.

Further Resources:

• Safeguarding Adults Training Courses
• Whistleblowing on Safeguarding Adults: Why is it Important in Healthcare?
• What is the CQC and Why are KLOEs Important in Care?
• Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment
• How Can We Work Together to Safeguard Adults?
• Signs of Abuse in Children

The post Signs of Abuse in Adults appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In 2015, the Modern Slavery Act was introduced to police modern slavery in the UK. The introduction of this law enforced greater responsibility on big UK businesses to tackle slavery in their global supply chains. It affects all types of companies whether they are private or public, and includes partnerships. The Act states that, if you own a business with an annual global turnover of over £36 million pounds (the level subscribed by the Secretary of State) and carry on part or all of your business in the UK, you must produce a ‘slavery and human trafficking statement’ for each financial year.

Need a Course?

Our Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Training is designed to provide learners with an awareness of the signs of exploitation and trafficking in the UK.

What to Include in a Modern Slavery Policy

The content of a statement differs from business to business, but there are sections that the government recommends you include. This article will outline these sections and help you understand what you need to include in your Modern Slavery Statement, so you can comply with your legal requirements.

Each of the following sections corresponds to a section you should include in your Modern Slavery Statement.

Policy Statement

Both modern slavery and human trafficking are covered in the provisions of the Act. The term ‘modern slavery‘ describes anyone forced into labour, owned or controlled by an ‘employer’, treated as a commodity (i.e. bought or sold) or physically constrained. Human trafficking describes the practice of illegally transporting someone from one area or country to another, usually for the purposes of being sold into modern slavery. A person does not need to be taken out of their home country to be considered a victim of human trafficking. However, it is commonly accepted that the majority of modern slaves in the UK are trafficked from overseas to work in the agricultural, construction, hospitality, manufacturing and car washing industries. Additionally, many adults and children are trafficked and sold for domestic slavery or sexual exploitation.

You should begin your statement by detailing your organisation’s commitment to ethical practices. Within this part of your statement you should:

• Condemn modern slavery and human trafficking.
• Detail your dedication to ensuring that modern slavery does not take place at any point during your business or supply chains.

A slavery and human trafficking statement is a document that sets out the steps an organisation has taken during the financial year to ensure that neither slavery or human trafficking is occurring in any part of its supply chain or its own business.

It can also include:

• The name of your business.
• Your annual turnover.
• The organisational structure of your business.
• What your business does. This includes a summary of your business sector, operations and details of your supply chains. You should provide details of all countries and regions in which you directly operate, as well as the operations carried out there.
• The names and details of any subsidiaries you might have.
• The number of people you employ and how many customers you serve annually.
• The policy you have in place regarding slavery and human trafficking and who the policy applies to. 

Level of Risk

Within your statement, you should also include the measures you have taken to identify and manage the risks of human trafficking and slavery occurring within your business or supply chain. You should detail:

• Any high-risk areas of your business in regards to slavery and human trafficking.
• How you’ve identified and assessed these areas.
• What steps you have taken to mitigate the risks of slavery and human trafficking within your business and supply chains.
• How you monitor high-risk areas within your business and supply chain.

You should also detail that you have a zero-tolerance attitude towards human trafficking and slavery at all points within your supply chain, and the strategies you enforce to ensure complete supply chain compliance. You can also include information about training that is available to your staff about slavery and human trafficking.

Company Policies

In this section of your modern slavery statement, you should outline the relevant policies you have that ensure you conduct all business in an ethical manner and are committed to being a transparent organisation. This could include your:

• Anti-slavery policy. This policy should detail your company’s stance on modern slavery and human trafficking, who has responsibility over the policy and how your employees can identify and report suspicions.
• Whistleblowing policy. Your whistleblowing policy should be used to ensure your employees feel comfortable raising concerns without fear of repercussion.
• Recruitment policy. All companies should have a strict recruitment policy that checks the eligibility of workers for UK employment.
• Code of conduct. This policy should detail the standards you expect your organisations, employees and suppliers to meet.
• Training policies. You should also detail the training you will provide to your employees. The type of training they require may differ depending on the employee’s position.

Your policies apply to everyone who works for your organisation. Therefore, you must state that all employees must read and understand the information contained within them. You might also need to specifically mention certain roles, such as those who have more responsibility over ensuring everyone meets the company standards on slavery and human trafficking. For example, the head of the department who works directly with suppliers might need more in-depth training.

Company Suppliers

Your zero-tolerance commitment to slavery and human trafficking must also stand when you choose suppliers. Therefore, your policy should detail how you will use due diligence to find and use suppliers who will also demonstrate a commitment against modern slavery and human trafficking. To do this, you could map out your supply chain and identify the high-risk areas within it. You should regularly carry out supplier audits to ensure that they all adhere to your standards.

You should also detail the policies you enforce should any of your suppliers fail to meet the standards you set. This could include asking them to improve or terminating their contracts with you.

Policy Approval

Depending on the corporation you run, the type of approval you need for your statement changes:

• Body corporate that is not a limited liability partnership: your policy must be approved by the board of directors, or equivalent, and signed by a director, or equivalent.
• Limited liability partnership: your policy must be approved by the members and a designated member must sign it.
• Limited liability partnership registered under the Limited Partnership Act 1907: your policy must be signed by a general partner.
• Any other kind of partnership: your policy must be signed by a partner.

Your anti-slavery policy should be available online and clearly linked on your website so it is easy to find. By creating a detailed ‘slavery and human trafficking statement’, you will show your customers that you are committed to carrying out your operations ethically. You will also comply with your legal responsibility under the Modern Slavery Act. 

What to Read Next:

• What is the Difference Between Arranged Marriage and Forced Marriage?
• Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment
• Signs of Abuse in Adults
• Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery Training

The post Writing a Modern Slavery Policy: Guidance for Employers appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

What is an Arranged Marriage?

An arranged marriage is NOT the same as a forced marriage. In an arranged marriage, the family takes the lead to find a marriage partner for their adult child, but, importantly, both parties are free to choose whether they enter into that marriage. 

Although each individual arranged marriage differs, some key features of arranged marriage cultures are as follows (Tenir, 2021): 

• Marriage arrangers, who are usually senior members of the community or the family, work to arrange the marriage – either in partnership with the intended spouses or on their own.
• The responsibility for selecting a marriage partner is not seen as that of the individual but rather as a wider responsibility within the family. 
• Marriage is considered to be an alliance within families – not just between individuals.
• Arranged marriages are voluntarily accepted by the intended spouses.

An arranged marriage has the consent of both parties and their wishes are respected. The idea is that families know their children and can use their wisdom to know what will bring their child happiness and a successful marriage. Parents or marriage arrangers may consider elements such as family reputation, wealth, career prospects, appearance, values, religion and medical history when selecting suggested partners. Happiness is the ultimate goal of an arranged marriage.

What is a Forced Marriage?

In a forced marriage, one or both people do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage (due to age or disability), duress may have been used and actions may have been taken to coerce one or both of the people into the marriage. Duress can be physical, psychological, financial, sexual or emotional pressure.

The Anti-Social Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 makes forced marriage an offence. The Act makes it illegal to:

• Marry someone who lacks the mental capacity to consent to the marriage (with or without pressure).
• Take someone overseas to force them into marriage (intent is sufficient to prosecute).
• Breach a ‘Forced Marriage Protection Order’ under the Family Law Act 1996.
• Do anything intended to cause a child to marry before their eighteenth birthday, whether or not a form of coercion is used.

Since the introduction of The Marriage and Civil Partnership (Minimum Age) Act 2022, it is illegal for 16 and 17 year-olds to marry in England and Wales, even with parental consent, and a penalty of up to seven years in prison can be given to anyone arranging child marriages (without the need to prove coercion, which was previously required). 

Forcing someone to marry can result in a seven-year prison sentence and disobeying a Forced Marriage Protection Order can result in a sentence of up to five years in prison. Forced marriage also includes non-legally binding ceremonies viewed as marriage by the parties and their families. 

Forced marriages are not only a form of domestic violence and so-called ‘honour-based abuse’, they’re also a breach of internationally recognised human rights. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights says that “marriages shall be entered into only with the free and full consent of the intending spouses.”

Why Do Forced Marriages Happen?

Forced marriages happen for a variety of reasons, and this list is not exhaustive. 

A few reasons for forced marriage might be:

• Ensuring care for individuals with care and support needs, such as someone with a learning difficulty or physical disability.
• Protecting ‘family honour’.
• Keeping land, property, and wealth in the family.
• Reacting to social pressure. Neighbours and older relatives can pressure parents to coerce their children into matrimony.
• Reducing levels of poverty or to repay a debt.

Within a forced marriage, victims may endure violence to ensure they cannot leave the marriage. This may include rape, and in the outcome of a pregnancy and childbirth, many mothers feel unable to leave that marriage. Many forced marriages also involve forms of domestic servitude (a form of modern slavery), as well as involving other human rights abuses and violence.

Looking to Learn More?

Our FGM, Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Violence Awareness Course has been designed to provide a clear and concise understanding of what these types of abuse are, why they happen and who is at risk. Learners will come away fully aware of how they can take action to help prevent these abuses if they are concerned that someone they know is at risk.

Who is at Risk of Forced Marriage?

Victims are usually aged between 13 and 30, but there’s no ‘typical’ victim of a forced marriage. All genders can be subjected to forced marriage.

In 2021, the Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) handled cases relating to the UK and 32 other ‘focus’ countries.  The statistics from the FMU show that within the UK, the largest percentages of referrals came from London, the North West and West Midlands regions.

UK Forced Marriage Statistics in 2021

In 2021, the government’s Forced Marriage Unit (FMU) responded to 868 general enquiries, and gave advice and support in 337 cases related to a possible forced marriage and/or possible female genital mutilation (FGM). 

Of those cases:

• 22% of forced marriage victims were aged below 15.
• 13% of cases involved victims aged between 16-17.
• 18% of cases involved victims aged 18-21.
• 53 forced marriage cases involved victims with mental capacity concerns.
• 74% of cases involved female victims.
• 26% of cases involved male victims.

The unit handled cases relating to 32 ‘focus countries’, in addition to the UK. Those with the highest number of cases in 2021 were:

• Pakistan – 159 cases (47%).
• Bangladesh – 32 cases (9%).
• Somalia (including Somaliland) – 10 cases (3%).
• Kenya – 8 cases (2%)
• Iraq – 7 cases (2%)
• Romania – 7 cases (2%).

11 cases (3%) took place in the UK and had no overseas element.

Forced marriage is an offence and form of abuse. In a forced marriage, one or both spouses do not, or cannot, consent to the marriage – and are often subject to coercion and duress. It is very different to the practice of arranged marriage, where both parties consent to the marriage.

Further Resources

• Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment
• Signs of Abuse in Adults
• FGM, Forced Marriage & Honour-Based Violence Awareness Training

The post What is the Difference between Arranged Marriage and Forced Marriage? appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Forms of Child Abuse

Child abuse is often categorised into four types:

1. Neglect.
2. Physical abuse.
3. Emotional abuse.
4. Sexual abuse.

Children experiencing abuse often are subject to more than one form of abuse, and the signs can vary according to factors such as age. Furthermore, children may not always disclose abuse, preferring to remain silent, so it’s so crucial to know the signs.

Knowing how to help children who are being abused is a complex situation, and further training is vital to understand why children don’t disclose abuse and how to respond when you think a child is suffering.

Need a Course?

Our range of Safeguarding Children Courses have been developed to ensure that you are able to understand current safeguarding issues and apply the correct actions and procedures where necessary.

Signs of Child Neglect

Neglect is the persistent failure to meet a child’s basic needs. There are four main forms of child neglect: emotional, medical, educational, and physical. Neglect is the most common form of child abuse.

Children who are being neglected may not get the love they need, may not have adequate clothing, support, supervision, nourishment and medical or health care. They may also suffer from other forms of abuse and may not be protected from physical and/or emotional harm.

The following physical signs may indicate that a child is being neglected:

• Appearing hungry as though they may have gone without breakfast.
• Turning up to school without lunch or money for food.
• Repeated injuries caused by lack of supervision.
• Skin sores, rashes, flea bites, scabies or ringworm.
• A thin or swollen tummy.
• Having poor hygiene, being visibly dirty or smelling.
• Being without adequate clothing.
• Being tired.
• Having poor language or communication skills.
• Being anaemic.
• Not meeting developmental milestones.
• Appearing to care for family members.
• Being unsupervised.
• Living in an unsuitable home environment.

Signs of Physical Abuse in Children

Physical abuse is hurting a child through physical, violent and aggressive means and is never accidental, such as hitting, burning, or poisoning. Parents and carers who abuse a child may do so because of emotional or behaviour problems, having experienced abuse themselves, health issues, stress and/or not understanding the needs of a child.

Furthermore, some new parents struggle to adapt and to understand the needs of the child. For example, they may see the child cries as an attempt to annoy them and they might become frustrated.

Some signs of physical abuse include:

• Bruises.
• Swelling.
• Scarring.
• Burns or scalds.
• Broken bones.
• Fractures.
• Bite marks.

Children who have been poisoned may experience symptoms such as drowsiness, seizures and vomiting. Parents who abuse babies can cause non-accidental head injuries if they shake or hit them. Some parents may tell a child they are ill and give them medication which can make them ill or lead to death.

Signs of Emotional Abuse in Children

Emotional or psychological abuse is the sustained maltreatment or neglect of the emotional needs of a child.

Signs of emotional abuse may include:

• Younger children being overly affectionate or clingy towards strangers.
• Lacking confidence and being anxious.
• Struggling to control emotions.
• Lacking social skills.
• Having few friendships.
• Appearing to have a negative relationship with parent or carer.
• Seeming isolated from their parent or carer.
• Being aggressive and cruel to other children and towards animals.
• Using language inappropriate for their age.

Emotional abuse happens for a number of reasons. Parents may experience financial, material, psychological, and/or emotional distress and without help, this distress can often manifest as abuse.

Two Categories of Emotional Abuse

Emotional abuse of children tends to form into two categories, passive and active.

Passive emotional abuse is more subtle than active. This is when a parent or carer refuses to provide their child with the kind of emotional care they need. It may involve emotional unavailability, bad attitudes towards the child, a failure to recognise that they must support the child, using the child as a support mechanism for themselves, involving the child in tasks that they are not emotionally ready for, and a failure to encourage social engagement with peers.

Active emotional abuse involves taking anger and frustration out on a child, expecting a child to meet the emotional needs of an adult, limiting opportunities for the child, expecting the child to take on responsibilities not appropriate for their age, being emotionally unavailable, and forgetting to provide the child with praise.

A perpetrator of emotional abuse may:

• Ignore their victim.
• Display excessive control.
• Manipulate their victim.
• Refuse to say kind comments or acknowledge positive behaviour.
• Blame or scapegoat the child.
• Criticise, threaten, and/or humiliate the child.
• Use sarcasm and cruel jokes to mock the child.
• Make the child perform degrading acts.
• Push a child beyond their physical, mental or emotional limitations.
• Expose the victim to distressing events such as domestic abuse, drug taking, verbal fights, etc.
• Refuse to have an emotional life with the child, also known as emotional unavailability.

Signs of Sexual Abuse in Children

When a child is sexually abused, it means that they have been forced or manipulated into taking part in sexual activities. The exploitation of children sexually isn’t always physical; it can happen online too. There are a number of warning signs of child sexual exploitation that you need to be alert to, such as behavioural changes and health issues.

The effects of sexual abuse include:

• Promiscuity at a young age.
• The use of sexual language inappropriate for their age.
• Knowledge of sexual information that you wouldn’t expect.
• Sexually transmitted infections.
• Pregnancy.
• Trauma.
• Unusual discharge.
• Anal or vaginal soreness.
• Avoiding being alone with certain people like family members or family friends.
• Appearing afraid to socialise or interact with a certain person.

Recognising Signs of Abuse Poster

What Can I Do if I Recognise Signs of Abuse?

If you think that a child is being abused, the best thing you can do is be prepared. The NSPCC recommends that anyone worried about a child takes the following actions:

• Keep a note of concerns and the child’s behaviour. Keeping a diary helps to spot patterns of behaviour and use a Child Protection Body Map.
• Maintain your ongoing relationship with the child. Keep talking to them and being supportive.
• Speak to other professionals who come into contact with the child, such as teachers, health visitors or the Designated Safeguarding Lead at your organisation.
• Talk to the NSPCC or a trusted friend or family member to get another perspective and talk through your concerns.

If you’re not sure what to do, and you’re worried about the safety and wellbeing of a child, contact the NSPCC for advice from their professional counsellors.

The NSPCC are available 24/7 to help. You can call them on 0808 800 5000.

What to Read Next:

• Warning Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Understanding Why Children May Not Disclose Abuse
• Understanding the Cycle of Violence in Domestic Abuse
• Guide to Safeguarding Legislation
• Signs of Abuse in Adults
• Adverse Childhood Experiences: Guidance for Schools
• Child Sexual Abuse: Guidance for Schools
• Understanding Why Children May Stay Quiet About Abuse

The post Signs of Abuse in Children appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Whether you’re a parent, a carer or someone who works alongside children, having an awareness of the potential warning signs of CSE is essential.

Carefully monitor any behaviour that’s out of the ordinary for the child in question, and report your concerns to the relevant authorities as soon as possible. It’s not always the case that something’s amiss, but the more alert you can be, the better.

What Are The Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation?

1. Behavioural Changes

In the early stages of grooming, children at risk often do not display behaviours which suggest that something negative is happening to them. In fact, behaviours may be initially positive, as the child believes they are in the midst of a blossoming romance. Perpetrators are often skilled at boosting the exploited child’s ego and making them feel cared for and loved In the early stages, a child may seem newly happy and confident.

However, once these emotions wear off, children adopt a variety of coping methods to deal with what’s happening to them. The key is to look out for behaviours that are uncharacteristic.

Examples of behavioural warning signs to look out for are:

• Defensiveness or aggressiveness.
• Secretiveness.
• Depression, anxiety or being overly tearful.
• Attention seeking.
• Trouble sleeping.
• Difficulty concentrating at school.

2. Changes to Normality

Many of the warning signs of child sexual exploitation reveal themselves in the child’s day-to-day routine.

For example, has the child begun using their mobile phone, tablet or computer in an excessive or obsessive manner? Many children can seem glued to their devices but keep an eye out for secretive behaviour or new gadgets that seem to have appeared out of the blue. Do they have a new mobile phone or an alternative sim card?

Secondly, consider the child’s normal friendship group. Has the child fallen out with their friends or reduced the amount of contact that they have with them? The child may withdraw from their usual social circle and begin associating with others that they wouldn’t usually hang out with, who you haven’t seen before or who have no link to the child. They may be considerably older than the child in question.

Also, look out for changes in the child’s appearance. It’s perfectly normal for a young teen to take pride in their appearance, wear more makeup or style their hair, so it can be difficult to identify this as a cause for concern. However, girls, in particular, may begin wearing fancy clothes and jewellery that they can’t afford or dress in a more adult way than usual if they are caught up in sexual exploitation. As the exploitation continues, a child may begin to display more concerning behaviours such as sudden weight loss, a lack of personal hygiene or a gaunt appearance.

Need a Training Course?

Our Child Sexual Exploitation Training helps practitioners to understand the complexities involved with child sexual exploitation issues and be aware of how to recognise it, who is most at risk, why young people respond in the way that they do and how children become implicated in CSE.

3. More Dramatic Behaviour Changes

Sexual exploitation can also lead to dangerous behaviour changes which are alarming for any parent or carer. Again, these warning signs don’t always indicate exploitation and are sometimes just part of a rebellious child’s development, but never dismiss them without investigation. For example:

• Frequently missing days from school, exclusion from school or regularly going missing, even just for an evening.
• Beginning to use alcohol or drugs.
• Disappearing for nights at a time or being found booking hotel rooms.
• Behaving in a sexually suggestive or aggressive manner towards adults.
• Getting in trouble with the police.
• Claiming that they’ve been assaulted but then withdrawing the allegation.

4. Health Issues

It’s not just a child’s behaviour that can change if they’re caught up in CSE, but their physical and mental health can also suffer. Warning signs to look out for include:

• An eating disorder.
• Evidence of self-harming.
• Unexplained injuries or bruises.
• Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or urinary tract infection.
• Unexplained stomach pains or vomiting.
• Pregnancy or pregnancy tests.
• Depression or anxiety.

Is It Exploitation?

You may have recognised that a child is behaving differently, or that they have a health issue that you’re concerned about, but you may not realise or be able to identify that it’s as a result of sexual exploitation. There’s no single, definitive sign that can tell you if abuse is happening, and sometimes it takes a combination of factors for the truth to become appear.

What’s more, in an abusive situation young people rarely tell adults, no matter how close your relationship is with the child.

Sometimes a child is sexually exploited by human traffickers within an organised crime network. This makes it harder for adults to form a relationship with the child and spot a problem. This is because organised crime groups often move children to another location and school before adults can identify a problem. Trafficked children show many of the same health issues, but you won’t be able to spot behavioural changes. Therefore, it’s a good idea to get to know the specific signs of human trafficking and modern slavery.

For this reason, it is essential you understand how to spot the possible warning signs and report your worries to the relevant authorities if anything becomes a cause for concern. For example, have you seen a child hanging around with people you don’t know? Have they received a new phone and won’t tell you where it’s come from? Have they developed an unexplained health problem? Is their behaviour getting them in trouble with school or the police?

Of course, none of these signs is concrete evidence of child sexual exploitation, especially if they appear in isolation. In fact, many of the warning signs listed within this article are part of typical teenage life.

It’s only when warning signs accumulate, or many people share the concern that the full picture becomes clear. 

Further Resources:

• Child Safeguarding Quiz
• Understanding Why Children May Not Disclose Abuse
• Child Protection Body Map
• Child Sexual Exploitation Awareness
• Child Exploitation Quiz
• Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment
• Child Sexual Abuse: Guidance for Schools
• Signs of Abuse in Children
• Understanding Why Children May Stay Quiet About Abuse
• What is an Early Help Assessment?

The post Warning Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

In many situations, domestic abuse is simply overlooked, excused, or denied – this is the power it has over those who must live in constant fear of their abusers.

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic abuse refers to any incident of threatening behaviour or violence (either physically or verbally) directed at a person’s spouse, family member, or child. It happens when an abuser intends to gain and maintain control over someone – they accomplish this through mistreatment, aggression, and manipulation.

There are fives main types of abuse:

1. Physical abuse – the abuser inflicts harm on another person either through a direct physical attack or by using objects as weapons. It can lead to either short-term or long-term injury.

Physical assault or battery is a crime, plain and simple – whether it occurs inside or outside of the family. While physical abuse is the most common – leaving a person with visible bruises and scars – other forms of abuse are often considered more damaging to an individual’s overall and long-term wellbeing, particularly emotional and psychological abuse.

2. Emotional abuse – the abuser chips away at a person’s self-esteem and independence by constantly insulting, blaming, and shaming the person they aim to control.

This enables the abuser to retain control over the individual, whose confidence and independence has been crippled. The thought patterns of the person being abused change; they think everything negative their abuser says is true, and believe they really are worthless. In turn, they become too afraid to leave the relationship, and are left feeling powerless.

The person being abused cannot stand up for themselves because they no longer have their own two legs to stand on; the abuser becomes their crux.

3. Psychological abuse – this is closely linked with emotional abuse. The abuser uses manipulation and lies to make a person believe that things are different from what they truly are. As a result, the person’s self-confidence is damaged; they start second-guessing everything and everyone (including themselves).

Both emotional and psychological abuse affect a person over a prolonged period of time; it continuously chips away at their mental state and belittles their position in the relationship. It leaves deep-rooted mental wounds that often take a long time to recover from, including a vicious cycle of negative, hopeless thinking.

4. Sexual abuse – the abuser asserts his dominance over another person by forcing them to participate in unwanted, degrading, and most likely unsafe sexual activities. This is often categorised with physical abuse, as the abuser can cause harm (both intentionally and unintentionally) to the body of the person being sexually abused.

Being forced into sex – regardless of whether you are married or not – is an act of aggression, abuse, and violence; it is rape.

Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise: there is no excuse for this criminal behaviour.

5. Financial abuse – the abuser withholds money, controls your finances, forces you to account for every little expense, or simply takes your money for themselves.

Financial abuse is another way of gaining control and asserting dominance. It takes away the independence of the person being abused, and prevents them from doing anything the abuser deems ‘inappropriate’. It can affect a person’s self confidence by leading them to believe they can’t be trusted with money. And most notably, it prevents them from escaping their abuser: without finances, they can’t travel, buy food, pay for accommodation – or anything.

Nobody has the right to use your money or control how you spend it – this is nothing more than abuse.

Any one of or a combination of these forms of abuse seriously affect the sufferer’s physical and mental state long-term. They are all equally unjust and cruel, and no one must stand for it.

Hundreds of thousands of men and women alike continue to suffer year after year at the hands of their abusers because they can’t get out, and can’t call for help due to fear.

Domestic Abuse UK Statistics

Domestic abuse is, unfortunately, a very real issue in the UK. More often than not, the victim has been suffering for a long time, or the abuse is responsible for major problems in their life.

Statistics on abuse in the UK show that:

• 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men are affected.
• There were an estimated 1.8 million adults aged 16 to 59 subject to domestic abuse in 2015/16.
• 31% of women and 18% of men have experienced domestic abuse since the age of 16. This amounts to an estimated 5 million women and 2.9 million men.
• In 2012/13, 4.1% of women (662,000) and 1.9% of men (311,000) experienced stalking.
• Domestic abuse is a contributor to 40% of women’s homelessness according to a study by the charity organisation Shelter. It was found to be “the single most quoted reason”.
• The link between physical child abuse and domestic abuse is high, with estimates ranging from 30% to 66% depending upon the study. In other words, those with a history of suffering from abuse are more likely to perpetrate abuse themselves in adulthood.

Fortunately, the overall percentage of cases is declining each year. But the issue is that many cases of abuse are not reported and go undetected for a long period of time. So statistics may not be representative of the bigger picture. Abusers are skilled at concealing the situation and wearing down a person’s psyche to the point where they won’t reach out for help or tell anyone what’s happening.

This is why it’s so important to be aware of the signs. You can either help someone you know who may be subject to abuse, or you can help yourself by recognising what you’re feeling and experiencing isn’t right.

What are the Signs of Domestic Abuse?

Identifying domestic abuse, particularly when you are trapped in its vicious cycle, can be very difficult to do. Unfortunately, many who suffer from continuous abuse are too reluctant to disclose their experience or are unaware that they are actually facing criminal behaviour.

Signs of domestic abuse include: 

• Feeling ashamed – the person being abused tries to keep it hidden from their family, friends, or authorities. They feel like they’re to blame and that telling people about the situation will only reflect badly on them.
• Feeling frightened – they fail to report the situation because of the fear that their abuser will find out and enact further abuse. Often, this is a direct threat abusers make.
• Feeling confused – due to emotional and psychological abuse, they feel confused about whether they are to blame and if they have any value as a person at all.
• Thinking that they are to blame – in tandem with feelings of confusion, the abused feels like they have done something to provoke their abuser – that it’s their fault, and that their abuser is the only person who would ever want to be with them.
• Thinking it was a ‘one off’ – manipulation leads the victim to believe that their abuser has ‘changed’ and things can get better, but 9 out of 10 times they won’t. Abuse will likely continue to occur before anything is ever reported, and the person being abused continues to think this time they really are going to change.
• Being blinded by infatuation or their love for the abuser – the victim simply cannot let go of their emotional attachment and accept the truth.

These are all feelings and thoughts that an abuser coerces you into having.

You should never feel ashamed or think that the blame rests with you; this is a situation that has been forced on you by a vindictive person determined to control your life.

Likewise, being blinded by emotional attachments, feeling frightened, and believing that the abuse is a ‘one off’ are all seeds of doubt and control that have been planted in your mind. Confusion is how the abuser wants you to feel so that they can maintain control and manipulate you into thinking whatever they want.

Abusers typically follow a pattern of coercive and controlling behaviour in order to do so. This is known as the cycle of violence.

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The Cycle of Violence

It begins with the act of abuse.

Tension begins to rise between you and your abuser until they eventually lash out with aggressive, belittling, or violent behaviour – either physical, verbal, or both. This is a power play designed to show you ‘who is the boss’ – to make you feel afraid and intimidated by them.

The abuser adopts a façade of guilt.

After abusing you, they show signs of feeling guilty and remorseful. But this is not over what they have done.

It is often a hidden display of concern that they could be caught and face consequences – masked as guilt for harming you. Other times, they are acting in order to deceive and psychologically control you.

A facade of guilt leads you to believe that they are truly sorry, which lures you back into a false sense of security.

They make a string of excuses.

Your abuser rationalises what he or she has done and convinces you that the blame lies elsewhere. They make up excuses about why they behaved abusively, or even blame you for it – anything to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. By painting this image of innocence, they instil a false sense of trust in you.

They revert back to ‘normal’ behaviour.

This is where the infatuation and love you feel are exploited by the abuser. They do whatever they can to maintain control and keep you in the relationship – this includes acting like nothing has ever happened, behaving like they are ‘past it’, or turning on the charm. You’re led to believe that the abuser really has ‘changed’ for the better and that their behaviour was just a lapse. But this is far from the truth.

Remember: despite what you may be led to believe, abusers are able to control their behaviour; this is not a valid excuse. They do it all the time in the form of putting on façades, behaving coyly around your friends and family, stopping their abuse behaviour when it benefits them (e.g. when you’re in public or if the police show up), and directing their aggression only at you.

They begin plan their next act of abuse.

At this stage, the abuser thinks about what you have done wrong and how they’ll berate you for it – all with the intention of reasserting their dominance and wearing down your self-confidence and independence. They begin to turn this fantasy into a plan that they’ll enact in reality.

The abuser sets up situations and takes all opportunities to abuse you again.

Your abuser will find fault in the way you have done something, either by setting you up or by capitalising on an opportune moment where you make a mistake (or where they can twist the truth to make it seem that way). In this situation, they can justify abusing you because they can shift the blame onto you and make you believe it – it sets into motion the ‘excuses’ part of the cycle.

Thus, the cycle all begins once again.

Remember: recognising abuse is the first step to receiving help. Abuse destroys a person’s self-worth, which can take a long time to regain. You deserve to feel confident in yourself. You deserve to feel valued as an individual. You deserve to be free of harm.

Further Resources:

• Signs of Abuse in Children
• Signs of Abuse in Adults
• Child Protection Body Map
• Inside Organised Crime: Methods of Human Trafficking and Recruitment
• Domestic Abuse Awareness Training

The post Understanding the Cycle of Violence in Domestic Abuse appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.

Using a child protection body map will help you to record any injuries and make decisions on what action to take next. Head to the end of this article to download a body map template that you can use in your own organisation.

What is a Child Protection Body Map Used For?

A child protection body map is used to record information about physical injuries to a child, particularly if it is felt that the injury is non-accidental or thought to be following a pattern. The body map provides a visual record of physical abuse and helps professionals to work together when deciding whether there is a safeguarding concern.

Note: When recording injuries you should never photograph the child.

You should also note that using a body map does not replace medical advice and so a proper diagnosis of the injury and correct treatment should be sought by a medical professional. The body map is simply a record of what can be seen and what has been said about the injury.

What is Physical Abuse?

Working Together 2013 defines physical abuse as hitting, shaking, throwing, poisoning, burning, scalding, drowning, suffocating or otherwise causing physical harm to a child.

Physical harm may also be caused when a parent or carer feigns the symptoms of, or deliberately causes, ill-heath to a child whom they are looking after.

Take a look at our guidance on the potential signs of abuse in children and what action to take if you suspect abuse here.

How is a Child Protection Body Map Used?

The details that should be included on a child protection body map are:

• Information on who noticed the injury, when they noticed it and what their role is in relation to the child.
• Details of the injury – where it is on the child, what it looks like, its colour, shape, size and condition.
• Details of all visible injuries, even small marks that may not seem of concern at the time.
• In regards to the condition of the injury, is it deteriorating or getting better?
• Is the child in distress or indifferent about the injury?
• Information on any explanations behind the injuries.
• Observations of the child – how are they feeling, what is their behaviour like?
• Information on anything that the child or parent says about the injury.
• Include both a drawing and a written description of the injury.

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Common Sites for Non-Accidental Injury

The most common sites for non-accidental injury are:

• Eyes.
• Ears
• Cheeks.
• Mouth.
• Shoulders.
• Chest.
• Upper and inner arms.
• Stomach/abdomen
• Genitals.
• Front and back of thighs.
• Buttocks.
• Hands.
• Feet.

The NSPCC states that particular attention should be paid to bruises which have petechiae (dots of blood under the skin) around them, which are found more commonly in children who have been abused than in those injured accidentally.

Clusters of bruises are also a common feature in abused children. These are often on the upper arm, outside of the thigh or on the body.

Furthermore, abusive bruises can often carry the imprint of the implement used or the hand.

Which Injuries Should Be Recorded?

All types of injury should be drawn onto the child protection body map, even those that appear to be accidental and part of a child’s natural development.

For reference, common sites for accidental injury may include:

• Forehead.
• Nose.
• Chin.
• Back of head.
• Spine.
• Elbows.
• Knees.
• Shins.

Please note: what may seem insignificant or accidental now may become more important in the future so it is always a good idea to have a record of everything.

What To Do After Filling in a Body Map

After drawing on your observations (along with any written comments), a decision needs to be made on whether there is an immediate risk to the child or whether they need to be taken for treatment for their injury.

Keep note of any safeguarding concerns that you may have and share these with your manager or person in charge of child protection within your organisation (such as a designated safeguarding lead).

If it’s appropriate to do so, share the findings of your observations with the parents or carer of the child so that they understand what decisions have been made and why.
If you think a child is in immediate danger contact the NSPCC, the police or your local social services. Remember that everyone, including you, has responsibility for safeguarding children.

Download Child Protection Body Map Template (PDF)

What to Read Next:

• Signs of Abuse in Children
• Safeguarding Against Child Exploitation and Abuse: A Resource Pack for Schools
• Understanding Why Children May Not Disclose Abuse
• Introduction to Safeguarding Children Course
• Child Exploitation Quiz
• Warning Signs of Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
• Understanding Why Children May Stay Quiet About Abuse

The post Child Protection Body Map appeared first on The Hub | High Speed Training.