What is
Abuse and Neglect?

Experiences of Abuse and Neglect can lead to significant mental health challenges which require individualised support.

What Is It?

Abuse refers to intentional actions that cause harm, injury, or distress to another person, and can be physical, emotional, sexual, or psychological. Neglect is the failure to provide necessary care, supervision, or basic needs, resulting in harm or risk to a person’s health or well-being. The two experiences often co-exist with even mild or sever experiences able to significantly impact mental health.

Common Experiences

Experiences are unique to the individual and vary greatly, however common themes may include a deep loss of trust and safety, low self-worth, and feelings of shame or guilt. They may have difficulty regulating emotions, suffer from anxiety or depression, and feel isolated or disconnected from others.

How It Can Affect You

You may face challenges in forming healthy relationships due to mistrust or fear of intimacy, and may be triggered by reminders of past trauma. These experiences can lead to physical health issues, risky behaviours, and—especially in children—delays in emotional, cognitive, or social development.