ABSTRACT
In Chapter 1, we introduced the contexts of social work, social care and social care settings. This chapter discusses the concept of abuse and also the range of potential abusive situations that may occur, including those that may happen in care settings. A typology is outlined in order to ease the identification of different aspects and attributes of abuse. Definitions of risk, vulnerability, abuse and protection are also covered in this chapter, together with a consideration of risk factors for abuse in both domestic and care settings. Perhaps it is with our use of the terms ‘vulnerable adults’ and ‘vulnerability’ that some would take issue and so we start with exploring these issues further.
