What is Abuse?

Abuse is any type of action or behaviour that causes harm or can potentially cause harm to another person.

In general terms, abuse occurs when a more powerful person takes advantage of a less powerful one.
 

Types of Abuse
Physical: The act of assault against one's person (striking, kicking, burning...) Emotional: Acts or omissions that can cause mental anguish, emotional distress or mental disorders (rejecting, ignoring, humiliating)
Neglect: Failure to provide the necessities that cause or, over time, could cause serious harm (adequate food, shelter, hygiene, medical care)
Sexual: Touching of a person's primary or secondary sexual features without consent, or sexual harassment (any behaviour, comment or gesture likely to cause offense or humiliation)
Exploitation: An act that takes advantage of a person's vulnerabilities (financial or material abuse, persuasion to do things that are illegal or not in the person's best interest)

Under the Dependant Adults Act the following can also be considered abuse:

Inappropriate Use of Restrictive Procedures: Attempts to control somebody by the use of restrictive procedures that are not  needed to protect the health, safety or well-being of the person.

Recognize the Signs 

• Unexplained injuries
• Low self-esteem
• Depression/Low Self-Esteem
• Change in behaviour towards care-giver (fearful, nervous, overly affectionate...)
• Changes in sexual behaviour
• No longer taking care of themselves (Hygiene, appearance, eating) or responsibilities (paying bills, going to work...)
• Any other unexplained changes in behaviour
   

Who Can Help?

Sexual Assault Centre of Edmonton: 780-423-4121 (24 hours)
Zebra Child Protection Centre: 780-421-2385
Edmonton Police Services: 780-423-4567
The Support Network: 780-482-0198
Victim's Services: 780-421-2217
Protection of Persons in Care Act: 1-888-357-9339
Gateway Association for Community Living: 780-451-0701
Office of Disability Issues (AB Gov): 780-422-1095
Community Service Info: 211
Legal Aid: 780-427-7575
PDD (Edmonton Community Board): 780-427-2817

-This fact sheet was prepared by the Gateway Association for Community Living