What happens when we are in a work environment or even an institution for medical or mental health care and suffer from abuse? This is where education on what qualifies as Organizational Abuse can help us recognize and bring awareness to this unique type of abuse.

We often work in conditions that may not be suited for our mental or physical health but are left with no way to escape. Individuals who suffer from Organizational Abuse may see a lack of communication with higher management, poor or dirty work conditions, lack of proper supervision, or an unsafe work environment (Harrow Council, 2021).

When situations such as bullying in the workplace go unnoticed, the individual can also suffer from Organizational Abuse when they are not taken seriously or protected by the company that helps put food on their table. One of the most difficult pieces of this type of abuse is that it can be multiple, if not dozens of, individuals who facilitate it. The company can even operate in an abusive manner, causing all their employees mental and physical suffering. (Law Insider, n.d.)

Another type of Organizational Abuse is Institutional Abuse. Locations, where this type of abuse can occur, are:

· Medical Care Settings: Hospitals, Outpatient Facilities, Doctor’s offices

· Mental Health Facilities: Intensive Outpatient or Inpatient Settings

· Outpatient or Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities

· Nursing or Long-Term Care Homes

· Foster Care Homes

· Churches, Youth Groups, or Youth Centers

Institutional Abuse is broad and can include medical malpractice, withholding of food or basic necessities, inappropriate confinement, restraint or restriction, and severe lack of autonomy and mental health care. Whether you or someone you know has been a victim of this type of abuse in any of the settings listed, your voice can be heard. You can visit the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services — Office of Inspector General to file a complaint.

Since Organizational and Institutional Abuse can include anything from miscommunication to medical malpractice, it is important to notice anything in your or a loved one’s organization that does not seem to fall within proper parameters of care, working, or living conditions.

We at ARO are here to support you in your personal healing journey to complete wellbeing. We bring awareness and education to ten different types of abuse and help others heal and find peace.

If you would like to learn more and donate to help others find refuge, please visit GoARO.org.

References
Harrow Council. (2021). Organizational Abuse-Staying safe. Retrieved from harrow.gov.uk. https://www.harrow.gov.uk/adult-social-care/staying-safe/10.
Law Insider. (n.d.). Institutional abuse definition. Retrieved from Law Insider. https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/institutional-abuse.