Defending the Vulnerable: Protecting At-Risk Populations from Abuse

By: Amanda Hildreth

Abuse and violence are widely recognized as public health concerns. Abuse and violence occur in a broad range of relationships. Violence disproportionately affects vulnerable populations. We have to protect children, elders, and other vulnerable populations from abuse.

What is Vulnerability?

Vulnerability is the degree to which a person or population is susceptible to abuse or neglect and influenced by inherent and acquired risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors may include sex, race, and age among others. Acquired risk factors may include the environment, behaviors, and sociocultural behaviors or beliefs. Risk factors contribute to the vulnerability of a person or population (Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024).

What are Vulnerable Populations?

Vulnerable populations are groups or communities at a higher risk for abuse or poor physical, psychological, or social health. Limitations due to illness or disability can influence the vulnerability of a population or person as well as social, economic, political, and environmental factors (Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024).

Who is Considered Vulnerable?

Anyone can be vulnerable to abuse but some groups are more likely to experience it than others.

Vulnerable populations include (U.S. Department of State, 2024, Ernstmeyer & Christman, 2022, Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute, 2024):

Women and girls
Children and youth
LGBTQIA+ individuals
Elderly
Individuals with disabilities
Individuals with chronic illnesses
Individuals with communication barriers
Veterans
Racial or ethnic minorities
Victims of sexual violence
Victims of human trafficking
Incarcerated individuals and their families
Migrant workers
Individuals with chronic mental health disorders
Homeless individuals
Refugees
Immigrants
Those with substance abuse issues
Individuals experiencing Domestic Violence
Populations with low literacy rates
Individuals that are economically disadvantaged
Rural residents with limited access to healthcare and other services

We must be vigilant and support all communities, including the most vulnerable.

Signs of Abuse Among Vulnerable Individuals

Vulnerable individuals may experience a variety of abuses including but not limited to Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Financial Abuse and neglect.

Signs of abuse that vulnerable individuals may exhibit include (Office of Safeguarding, 2023):

Disclosure of abuse
Difficulty walking or sitting
Unexplained STD or incontinence
Pregnancy in youth
Anxiety around the abuser
Self-destructive behavior
Sudden changes in behavior
Depression, anxiety
Inappropriate behavior with others
Trouble sleeping or bedwetting
Eating disorders
Changes in hygiene or self-care habits
Changes in social patterns and behavior
Injuries, lacerations and bruises
Explanations inconsistent with injuries
Unexplained weight loss or gain, dehydration or malnutrition
Social isolation
Medical, dental or other health issues that have not been cared for
Stealing or hoarding food
Loneliness
Anxiety about being alone
Excessive comforting behaviors
Speech disorders
Shame
Confusion or agitation
Helplessness
Unexplained fear or paranoia
Changes in self-esteem
Attention-seeking behavior
Excessive compliance
Restricted or no access to funds or accounts
Missing valuables, money or property
No records or incomplete records of purchases and expenses
Changes to a living will
Unpaid bills
Stealing money or borrowing from others

The presence or absence of these signs does not mean abuse is occurring and does not mean a vulnerable individual is safe. Some Victims of abuse may not display any noticeable signs. Vulnerable individuals will also often experience more than one type of abuse. The signs of abuse need to be evaluated in the context of the individual’s situation and circumstances. It is crucial to discuss any concerns for vulnerable individuals with someone who is trained to notice and address the signs of abuse (Office of Safeguarding, 2023).

How to Report Abuse or Neglect of Vulnerable Individuals

If you suspect a vulnerable individual is being abused, there are a variety of ways to report abuse or neglect. If the abuse is an emergency, report the abuse or neglect to local authorities.

In non- emergencies, abuse can also be reported to state departments and many states provide Adult Protective Services to help and protect vulnerable adults including the elderly and adults with disabilities.

Many states have hotlines for reporting Child Abuse or neglect. Child Abuse can be reported to (Child Welfare Information Gateway, 2024):

The Childhelp National Child Abuse Line.
The National Center for Missing or Exploited Children
The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 (National Domestic Violence Hotline, 2024).

At ARO, we are here to support your personal healing journey towards your complete well-being. We bring solutions and real-time education for 21 different types of abuses. The most prevalent abuses are Sexual Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Physical Abuse, Psychological Abuse, Narcissistic Abuse, Financial Abuse, Self Abuse, Elderly Abuse, Isolation Abuse, Child Abuse, Bullying, Cyberbullying, Workplace Abuse, Religious Abuse, Medical Abuse, Food Abuse, Authority Abuse, Educational Abuse, Child Sexual Exploitation, Sex Trafficking, and Political Abuse. Support our efforts by visiting AbuseRefuge.org and NormTherapy.com to sign up for Norm Therapist® Training to become one of our dynamic staff members who serve Victims and Survivors of abuse worldwide, schedule Norm Therapy® sessions, become a Live Stream volunteer, join our mailing list to learn how you can make an impact on the Abuse Care Community, and provide life-saving financial assistance with a generous donation.

Sources

Texas Epidemic Public Health Institute. (2024). Defining vulnerable populations. https://tephi.texas.gov/docs/tephi-defining-vulnerability-and-vulnerable-populations.pdf?language_id=1

U.S. Department of State. (2024). At-Risk Populations. U.S. Department of State. https://www.state.gov/other-policy-issues/at-risk-populations/

Ernstmeyer, K., & Christman, E. (2022). Chapter 17 vulnerable populations. Nursing: Mental Health and Community Concepts. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK590046/#:~:text=Examples%20of%20 vulnerable%20 populations%20are,Homeless%20people

Office of Safeguarding . (2023, November 28). Indicators of abuse & neglect of vulnerable persons . Office of Safeguarding – Diocese of Maitland-Newcastle. https://officeofsafeguarding.org.au/indicators-of-abuse-neglect-of-vulnerable-persons/

How to report Child abuse and neglect. Child Welfare Information Gateway. (2024). https://www.childwelfare.gov/how-report-child-abuse-and-neglect/

National Domestic Violence Hotline. The Hotline. (2024, June 4). https://www.thehotline.org/