Organisational abuse

The Care Act defines organisational (or institutional) abuse as neglect or poor care practice within a care setting.

This could be a:

• Hospital
• Care home
• Care provided in your own home

Organisational abuse may be a one-off incident or part of an ongoing culture.

Signs of organisational abuse

Organisational abuse does not always involve physical violence. It can include:

• Inappropriate use of power or control
• Confinement, restraint, or restrictions that are not needed
• Lack of choice in food, clothing, possessions, or environment (for example, heating and lighting)
• Rigid routines with no flexibility (for example, strict bedtimes or mealtimes)
• Lack of personal possessions or clothing
• Financial abuse
• Physical or verbal abuse

Even something that might seem small, such as insisting everyone drinks tea at the same time, can count as abuse if it removes a person’s right to choose.

Support for organisational abuse

• Ann Craft Trust has more information about organisational abuse.
• The Care Quality Commission (CQC) can help if the organisational abuse involves adults. Call 0300 061 6161.