Hidden harm is harm or abuse that is usually hidden from public view occurring behind closed doors, often not recognised or reported. The emphasis is about spotting signs early and helping to prevent the risk escalation. The issue of hidden harm is implicit in the work of the Safeguarding Adult and Children Boards. Information on hidden harm or abuse is available in the SET procedures. Hidden harm or abuse includes the following categories, but is not limited to;
Domestic Abuse
The definition of domestic abuse used by the Home Office and most agencies is: Any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass but is not limited to: psychological, physical, sexual, financial, emotional.
Modern Slavery
Encompasses slavery, human trafficking, forced labour and domestic servitude. Traffickers and slave masters use whatever means they have at their disposal to coerce, deceive and force individuals into a life of abuse, servitude and inhumane treatment.
Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)
FGM is a procedure where the female genitals are deliberately cut, injured or changed but there is no medical reason for it to be done.
Breast Ironing
Breast ironing, also known as breast flattening, is the pounding and massaging of a pubescent girl’s breasts, using hard or heated objects, to try to make them stop developing or disappear.
Honour Based Abuse
Honour based abuse is a crime or incident which has or may have been committed to protect or defend the honour of the family and/or community.
Forced Marriage
A Forced Marriage (FM) is a marriage conducted without the valid consent of one or both parties and where duress is a factor.
Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE)
Child sexual exploitation (CSE) is a type of sexual abuse. Children in exploitative situations and relationships receive something such as gifts, money or affection as a result of performing sexual activities or others performing sexual activities on them.
Gang Violence
Gang violence means criminal and non-political acts of violence committed by a group of people who regularly engage in criminal activity against innocent people. The term may also refer to physical hostile interactions between two or more gang.
Substance Misuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is a patterned use of a drug in which the user consumes the substance in amounts or with methods which are harmful to themselves or others, and is a form of substance-related disorder.