Where can abuse happen?

Content/Trigger Warning: Please be advised that the article below might mention trauma-related topics that include types of abuse & violence that could be triggering.

Abuse can happen in a variety of places or situations.  The places that a person can be abused can range from in their own home to a hospital, prison, friend’s home, or even in school.  Much of the determining factor in where abuse can occur depends on the individual circumstances, such as the age of the abused and the abuser and the relationship between the abused and the abuser.  Several factors come into play here.  If the abused individual is a child and the abuser is an adult, the abuser is likely someone that the child knows and trusts.  It more often than not will occur in the child's home by a parent or family member, or if the abuse is occurring in school, then it could be a teacher or staff member.  The abuser could also be another child in school or the child’s neighborhood.  The latter is more likely to be reported if the abused child has an adult that they feel safe with and trust.  There are cases where the child could be a victim of trafficking or a crime of opportunity, and the person who becomes their abuser is a stranger.  This is becoming more common in today’s world, but less than children abused in the home by someone they know.

If the abused person is an adult, the abuse can occur in a variety of places. It could be from someone the person is familiar with, or in other cases, from a stranger in authority or care.  Domestic violence is one of the most common cases where an adult is abused in their home and by someone that they trust or felt that they could trust.  Elder abuse is another common area.  Elder abuse can occur in the home by a family member or caregiver. It can also occur in a hospital or facility where the older adult is in the care of others and is vulnerable or incapacitated.  This can also be when a person is disabled and in the care of others in the home, a school, or in a facility or hospital.  In most cases of abuse, the most common factor is that the person being abused is in a place where they are vulnerable and unable to protect themselves from others who may intend to do them harm.