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Different Forms of Abuse
Abuse can take different forms and may occur within workplaces, churches, schools, community groups, sporting clubs and other organisations or institutions. It can affect employees, volunteers, students, participants, parishioners, members or others connected with an organisation.
Abuse may involve a single incident or a pattern of behaviour and may not always be immediately recognised. Understanding different forms of abuse can help individuals and organisations recognise concerning behaviour, respond appropriately and support safer environments.
Explore the information below to learn more about how abuse may occur.
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The intentional use of physical force that causes, or could cause, injury, pain or harm. This may include hitting, pushing, restraining, rough handling or the inappropriate use of physical punishment.
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Grooming involves behaviours used to build trust, create dependence or gain access to a person for the purpose of manipulation, exploitation or abuse. It may occur in person or online and can involve secrecy, boundary violations, special treatment, gifts, attention or efforts to isolate a person from others. Grooming often develops gradually and may not be immediately recognised.
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Using digital technologies to threaten, monitor, intimidate, humiliate or control someone. This may occur through emails, messages, social media, online accounts, location tracking or other digital platforms and devices.
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Controlling, exploiting or misusing another person’s money, property or financial resources. This may include restricting access to funds, taking money without permission, pressuring someone to make financial decisions or misusing a position of trust.
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Inappropriate sexual behaviour or coercion without consent.
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Any act or failure to act that causes harm or distress to an older person within a relationship involving trust. It may include physical, emotional, financial or psychological abuse, neglect or the misuse of authority.
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Failing to provide necessary care, supervision, support or access to essential needs when there is a responsibility to do so. Neglect may affect a person’s safety, health, wellbeing or ability to participate fully.
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Using spiritual beliefs, religious teachings, practices or authority to manipulate, control, intimidate or harm someone. It may include pressuring a person to comply, restricting participation, misusing a position of spiritual authority or preventing someone from expressing their beliefs freely.
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Behaviour that causes emotional or psychological harm, including manipulation, humiliation, intimidation, threats, isolation, coercion or repeated criticism. It may involve a single serious incident or a pattern of behaviour over time.
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Using words to intimidate, humiliate, threaten or degrade someone. This may include insults, name-calling, repeated criticism, shouting, threats or offensive and demeaning comments.
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Harmful behaviour that occurs within or in connection with work. It may include intimidation, harassment, bullying, discrimination, exploitation, threats or misuse of authority. Some forms of workplace abuse may be covered by specific workplace or discrimination laws.
Learn more about
Finding Information and Support
If you experience abuse or harmful behaviour within an organisation or institution, you may be unsure what to do, who to speak with or where to seek support.
Visit our Abuse Information and Support page for practical information to help you consider your options, raise a concern and find appropriate support, including if you feel uncertain about reporting what happened.
Support through Kooyoora
If you work, volunteer or participate in an organisation that uses Kooyoora’s services, you can contact Kooyoora directly. Our team can listen to your concerns, provide information and help you understand the options available to you.
If you are an organisational leader dealing with harmful behaviour, Kooyoora can provide advice and services to help you manage the matter and determine appropriate next steps.