4. Freedom from abuse
“Every resident has the right to freedom from abuse.”
In other words: No one is allowed to abuse you physically, financially, sexually, verbally, or emotionally.
Physical abuse is when someone assaults you, handles you roughly, or slaps, pushes, or beats you. It can also be physical abuse if:
- someone refuses to give you medicine that you should take, or
- makes you take medicine that you should not be taking.
Financial abuse is when someone takes your money or property by fraud, theft, or force, or by tricking you.
Sexual abuse is when someone forces you into any type of sexual activity that you do not want.
This could be:
- making sexual comments that offend you,
- touching you in a way that is not appropriate, or
- making you feel that you cannot say no to sexual activity with them because they have power over you.
Staff, such as doctors, nurses, and personal support workers, should only touch you as part of their job.
Verbal abuse is when someone calls you names or yells at you. Or they speak to you in a way that scares, belittles, or threatens you.
Emotional abuse is when someone threatens, insults, or frightens you. Or they say or do something that humiliates you.
This kind of abuse can make you feel lonely, scared, not respected, or ignored.
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