Defending the Vulnerable: Protecting At-Risk Populations from Abuse
BY: amanda hildreth
Abuse and violence are widely recognized as public health concerns. Abuse and violence occur in a broad range of relationships. Violence disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. We have to protect children, elders, and other vulnerable populations from abuse.
What is Vulnerability?
Vulnerability is the degree to which a person or population is susceptible to abuse or neglect and influenced by inherent and acquired risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors may include sex, race, and age among others. Acquired risk factors may include the environment, behaviors, and sociocultural behaviors or beliefs. Risk factors contribute to the vulnerability of a person or population (Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024).
What are Vulnerable Populations?
Vulnerable populations are groups or communities at a higher risk for abuse or poor physical, psychological, or social health. Limitations due to illness or disability can influence the vulnerability of a population or person as well as social, economic, political, and environmental factors (Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024).
Who is Considered Vulnerable?
Anyone can be vulnerable to abuse but some groups are more likely to experience it than others.
Vulnerable populations include (U.S. Department of State, 2024, Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2022, Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024):
- Women and girls
- Children and youth
- LGBTQIA+ individuals
- Elderly
- Individuals with disabilities
- Individuals with chronic illnesses
- Individuals with communication barriers
- Veterans
- Racial or ethnic minorities
- Victims of sexual violence
- Victims of human trafficking
- Incarcerated individuals and their families
- Migrant workers
- Individuals with chronic mental health disorders
- Homeless individuals
- Refugees
- Immigrants
- Those with substance abuse issues
- Individuals experiencing Domestic Violence
- Populations with low literacy rates
- Individuals that are economically disadvantaged
- Rural residents with limited access to healthcare and other services
We must be vigilant and support all communities, including the most vulnerable.
Signs of Abuse Among Vulnerable Individuals
Vulnerable individuals may experience a variety of abuses including but not limited to Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Financial Abuse and neglect.
Signs of abuse that vulnerable individuals may exhibit include (Office of Safeguarding, 2023):
- Disclosure of abuse
- Difficulty walking or sitting
- Unexplained STD or incontinence
- Pregnancy in youth
- Anxiety around the abuser
- Self-destructive behavior
- Sudden changes in behavior
- Depression, anxiety
- Inappropriate behavior with others
- Trouble sleeping or bedwetting
- Eating disorders
- Changes in hygiene or self-care habits
- Changes in social patterns and behavior
- Injuries, lacerations and bruises
- Explanations inconsistent with injuries
- Unexplained weight loss or gain, dehydration or malnutrition
- Social isolation
- Medical, dental or other health issues that have not been cared for
- Stealing or hoarding food
- Loneliness
- Anxiety about being alone
- Excessive comforting behaviors
- Speech disorders
- Shame
- Confusion or agitation
- Helplessness
- Unexplained fear or paranoia
- Changes in self-esteem
- Attention-seeking behavior
- Excessive compliance
- Restricted or no access to funds or accounts
- Missing valuables, money or property
- No records or incomplete records of purchases and expenses
- Changes to a living will
- Unpaid bills
- Stealing money or borrowing from others
The presence or absence of these signs does not mean abuse is occurring and does not mean a vulnerable individual is safe. Some Victims of abuse may not display any noticeable signs. Vulnerable individuals will also often experience more than one type of abuse. The signs of abuse need to be evaluated in the context of the individual’s situation and circumstances. It is crucial to discuss any concerns for vulnerable individuals with someone who is trained to notice and address the signs of abuse (Office of Safeguarding, 2023).
How to Report Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Individuals
If you suspect a vulnerable individual is being abused, there are a variety of ways to report abuse or neglect. If the abuse is an emergency, report the abuse or neglect to local authorities.
In non- emergencies, abuse can also be reported to state departments and many states provide Adult Protective Services to help and protect vulnerable adults including the elderly and adults with disabilities.
Many states have hotlines for reporting Child Abuse or neglect. Child Abuse can be reported to (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2024):
- The Childhelp National Child Abuse Line.
- The National Center for Missing or Exploited Children
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline, 2024).
At ARO, we are here to support your personal healing journey towards your complete well-being. We bring solutions and real-time education for 21 different types of abuses. The most prevalent abuses are Sexual Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Isolation Abuse, Child Abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Workplace Abuse, Religious Abuse, Medical Abuse, Food Abuse, Authority Abuse, Educational Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, and Political Abuse. Support our efforts by visiting AbuseRefuge.org and NormTherapy.com to sign up for Norm Therapist® Training to become one of our dynamic staff members who serve Victims and Survivors of abuse worldwide, schedule Norm Therapy® sessions, become a Live Stream volunteer, join our mailing list to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community, and provide life-saving financial assistance with a generous donation.
Sources
Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute. (2024). Defining vulnerable populations. https://tephi.texas.gov/docs/tephi-defining-vulnerability-and-vulnerable-populations.pdf?language_id=1
U.S. Department of State. (2024). At-Risk Populations. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/other-policy-issues/at-risk-populations/
Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (2022). Chapter 17 vulnerable populations. Nursing: Mental Health and Community Concepts. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590046/#:~:text=Examples%20of%20 vulnerable%20 populations%20are,Homeless%20people
Office of Safeguarding . (2023, November 28). Indicators of abuse & neglect of vulnerable persons . Office of Safeguarding – Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/indicators-of-abuse-neglect-of-vulnerable-persons/
How to report Child abuse and neglect. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2024). https://www.childwelfare.gov/how-report-child-abuse-and-neglect/ National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Hotline. (2024, June 4). https://www.thehotline.org
