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ABUSE AND NEGLECT

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Definition of Abuse

Physical abuse includes assault, sexual abuse and the withholding of care,

food and medicine

Signs of Child Abuse/Neglect

• Injuries that are inconsistent with history• History of frequent injuries• Child does not want to go to parent

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Domestic Abuse Definition

A domestic abuse victim is an adult who has been sexually, physically, or emotionally abused by his/her intimate partner or former intimate partner

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Signs of Domestic AbusePhysical indicators of abuse are (but not limited to):• Injuries not properly cared for• Injuries incompatible with explanation of how

incurred• Bruises, welts, discoloration• Presence of old and new bruises at the same time• Burns• Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds

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What is elder abuse/neglect?

• Elder abuse is defined as causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an eligible adult, including exploitation of such adult’s financial resources

• Neglect is defined as another individual’s failure to provide an eligible adult with or withholding from an eligible adult, the necessities of life, including but not limited to food, clothing, shelter and medical care

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Signs of Elder Abuse/NeglectPhysical indicators of abuse are (but not limited to):• Doctor shopping or hopping• Patient brought in by someone other than the

caregiver• Injuries not properly cared for• Injuries incompatible with explanation/medical

history• Poor skin hygiene• Cuts, lacerations and puncture wounds

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Categories of Elder Abuse/Neglect

• Physical Abuse• Psychological Abuse• Financial – theft or conversion of money• Violation of Human Rights – Denial of rights

guaranteed to all citizens• Negligence – breach of duty or carelessness

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Your Responsibility

• When a nurse or physician have reasonable cause to suspect a child or elder may be abused or neglected, he/she will make a report to DCFS

• The student should report findings to the nurse immediately

• All injuries should be reported and documented in the patient’s chart