Institutional abuse is the inapropriate or improper care of someone within an institute or system, this can be a nursing home, care home, acute hospital, prison or as an in-patient.
Institutional abuse can come in many different forms, these include but not limited to:
Discriminatory
Emotional
Sexual Abuse
Physical Abuse
Emotional Abuse
Financial Abuse
Neglect
Many factors can affect the care of someone within an institute, staff, policies, routines and management, every one of these have the ability to cause someone to be improperly cared for within an institute. The quality of care should be one of the main priorities within any institute and processes need to be in place to ensure this occurs, such as staff training, risk assessments, updated policies etc...
A lot of individuals who are within an institute or care system are more vulnerable than the general population, this makes them at a higher risk of being abused in some form or another. The vulnerable are often unable to express their wishes or speak out effectively and may be dependant upon those within the institute or care system that are conducting the abuse.
Why do people abuse ?
There are many reasons why abuse in institutions occurs, although not extensive some of the reasons are:
Lack of training, guidance or enforced policies.
Peer pressure from colleagues or to 'have a laugh' at the expense of patients.
Work related stress causing someone unfit to look after others.
Patients not conforming to staff / volunteer expectations, or not obeying orders. (Please note: This does NOT make it right for anyone to abuse).
Due to dislike of a patient.
For personal gain either through theft or gratification.
Symptoms of abuse
Victim feelings & behaviour
Feel afraid of those who are their to protect and comfort.
Feelings of hopelessness and enclosed or trapped.
Obsessed with trying to appease.
Feelings of anger and resentment both towards self and abusers.
Feeling isolated, excluded and feelings of loneliness.
Loss of own opinion, beliefs or behaviours.
Loss of independence, possibly leading to mental illness
Feelings of anxiety around people or entirely loss of any emotional feelings.
Abusive behaviour
Aggressive, nasty and upsetting comments.
Exclusion or isolation from family or friends.
Comments deemed inappropriate.
Physical contact, torture or inappropriate restraint.
Loss of medical attention when required or inappropriately medicating victim.
Threats of violence, including death.
Ignoring or dismissing opinions or achievements.
Stealing, damaging or destroying property, or something you care for.
Forcing themselves upon you, either in a violent or sexual manner.
Disregard to victims health or safety.
Lack of emotional support towards the patient.
Reasons for not reporting abuse
Was unsure if it was abuse or not.
Fear of reprisals if a complaint is made.
No self-esteem and feelings of self loathing.
Fear of further exclusion or isolation.
Fear of not being believed.
How will this affect family or friends.
Unsure how to complain or get help.
Inability to complain due to lack of understanding or limited mental capacity.
Those abusing I am dependant upon, where else would help come from.