Psychological Abuse

1. Psychological Abuse WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO ME???

2. Psychological Abuse • The use of verbal or non-verbal expressions or other actions, in the presence of one or more persons receiving services that subjects the person(s) to ridicule , humiliation, scorn, contempt or dehumanization, or is otherwise denigrating or socially stigmatizing. In addition to language and/or gestures, the tone of voice, such as that used in screaming or shouting at or in the presence of persons receiving services, may in certain circumstances, constitute psychological abuse.

3. Psychological Abuse • What does that mean to you • Remember. A person does not have to yell at a consumer for psychological abuse to have occurred. • While in the community away from the facility, consumers may be subject to verbal abuse by members of the general public. Such situation should be brought to the attention of the administrator immediately. • If you witness abuse you must report what you saw/discovered. No hypothetical situations. • If you report abuse you can actually use the word “ABUSE”.

4. ABUSE • Heavens Hands Community Services Inc. has a ZERO tolerance when it comes to ANY staff member exhibiting any type of abuse. • Failure to exercise one’s duty to intercede on behalf of a person receiving services also constitutes abuse. • Employees must realize that, should they fail to intervene in a situation in which they consider a consumer is being abused, they may be considered as contributing to the abuse. This includes failing to interrupt an actual act of abuse or failing to report such abuse.