Neglect and abuse can occur when someone is dependent on another due to incapacity or age. Neglect involves the absence of care, while abuse refers to physical or mental harm. Children and the elderly are often victims, and neglect can lead to serious illnesses, injuries, and even death. Abusive caregivers can oppress those with disabilities or be violent towards spouses.
Whenever an individual is dependent on another due to incapacity or age, there is a risk of neglect and abuse. When someone is neglected, it means that their basic needs are not being met on purpose and deliberately. Usually, the inattentive caregiver is a guardian, parent, spouse, or sometimes a nursing assistant. Abuse usually refers to harming someone with physical violence or mental cruelty, especially when the victim is unable to defend themselves. For example, a child may experience neglect and abuse from a parent; an overbearing person could harm a spouse; and the elderly may be abused by nursing home staff or even their own children.
In many ways, neglect and abuse are similar due to the physical and mental anguish the victim endures. Neglect does not usually involve physical violence, but rather the absence of care, treatment and the provision of basic needs. Medical care, shelter, clothing and food are often denied to an abandoned person. Failure to provide these necessities to a dependent can be considered an abuse in many jurisdictions.
Under most normal circumstances, parents go to great lengths to take care of their children. When children are hungry or sick, most people will sacrifice their desires to ensure the needs of their loved ones are met. They provide a nurturing and loving environment for their family, regardless of their financial resources.
Children who are victims of neglect and abuse, however, may be beaten, neglected or left alone for several days at a time. They are often deprived of basic needs, supervision and compassion. Because children are unable to look after themselves, many of them suffer from serious illnesses, frequent injuries, emotional problems, and malnutrition. In many cases, they are simply unable to thrive. Some die from neglect and abuse.
Victimization also occurs in older individuals. Frail and elderly people are often the target of abuse because they are often too weak, or too scared, to defend themselves. By the same token, abusive caregivers can oppress people with severe physical or mental disabilities. Sometimes, spouses are violent and cruel, especially when one is mean and dominant over the other. Regardless of the relationship between the victim and the abuser, neglect and abuse occur when someone in a position of power intentionally causes physical or mental harm to another.
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