What is Institutional Abuse?

Institutional abuse or harm can manifest in many different forms, each causing significant harm to vulnerable individuals. The most common types include:

Physical abuse: This can involve physical violence, such as hitting, inappropriate restraint, inappropriate confinement or neglectful medical procedures.  

Example: A resident in aged care is left with unexplained bruises or injuries, or is subjected to inappropriate confinement or strict routines such as enforced bedtimes or toilet isolation.

Sexual abuse: Includes any unwanted sexual activity, sexual harassment, or exploitation.  

Example: A child in foster care is sexually abused by a staff member or another resident. Institutional child sexual abuse can also occur in religious institutions or schools.

Verbal Abuse and Emotional Abuse: Involves threats, humiliation, intimidation, or isolation.  

Example: Staff members use degrading language, enforce strict routines that discourage personal choice, or isolate individuals from their families and communities.

Neglect: Failing to provide adequate food, medical care, or emotional support.  

Example: Residents of an aged care facility are left in soiled clothing, denied access to necessary medication, or experience poor care practices and inadequate support.

Financial abuse: Unauthorised use of a person’s money or property.  

Example: Staff members misuse a resident of an aged care facility’s bank account, pressure them to change their will, or take personal belongings.