Which term best describes mistreatment of a vulnerable adult by another person, causing harm or distress?

Which term best describes mistreatment of a vulnerable adult by another person, causing harm or distress?

• A. Abuse
• B. Neglect
• C. Exploitation
• D. Assault

Answer: (A)

Abuse is the broad label used for mistreatment of a vulnerable adult by someone else that causes harm or distress. It covers a range of harmful actions, including physical harm, emotional or psychological harm, sexual harm, and other behaviors by a caregiver or another person that result in harm or distress. The term is useful here because it captures any act or omission by someone in a position of trust that leads to suffering. Neglect, by contrast, centers on failing to meet essential needs like food, shelter, or medical care. Exploitation refers to taking advantage of a person’s vulnerability for financial or other gain. Assault describes a deliberate physical attack or threat of harm. These are more specific forms or contexts of harm, whereas abuse serves as the overarching description for mistreatment that causes harm or distress.

Abuse is the broad label used for mistreatment of a vulnerable adult by someone else that causes harm or distress. It covers a range of harmful actions, including physical harm, emotional or psychological harm, sexual harm, and other behaviors by a caregiver or another person that result in harm or distress. The term is useful here because it captures any act or omission by someone in a position of trust that leads to suffering.

Neglect, by contrast, centers on failing to meet essential needs like food, shelter, or medical care. Exploitation refers to taking advantage of a person’s vulnerability for financial or other gain. Assault describes a deliberate physical attack or threat of harm. These are more specific forms or contexts of harm, whereas abuse serves as the overarching description for mistreatment that causes harm or distress.