The Tasmanian Criminal Code Act defines assault as:

"...the act of intentionally applying force to the person of another, directly or indirectly, or attempting or threatening by any gesture to apply such force to the person of another if the person making the attempt or threat has, or caused the other to believe on reasonable grounds that he has, present ability to effect this purpose, or the act of depriving another of his liberty".

 

Physical abuse

The infliction of physical pain or injury or physical coercion e.g. hitting, shoving, pushing, pulling, slapping, wetting, burning and physical restraint.

 

Psychological/Emotional abuse

The infliction of mental anguish, including actions that lead to fear of violence, to isolation, or deprivation, feelings of shame, loss of dignity or powerlessness. Examples include treating the person as a child, humiliation, emotional blackmail, blaming, swearing, shouting, intimidation, name calling, sending people to their rooms, saying things about people that create bad reputations, invading peoples privacy, withholding information and isolation from friends and relatives.

 

Financial abuse

The illegal or improper use of the person's property or finances. Examples include misappropriation of money, valuables or property, forced changes to will or other legal documents, and denial of rights of access to, or control over, personal finances.

 

Neglect

The failure to provide adequate food, shelter, clothing, medical or dental care. This may involved the refusal to permit other people to provide appropriate care e.g. abandonment, non-provision of nourishing food, adequate clothing or shelter, inappropriate use of medication (including over medication) and poor hygiene or personal care.

 

Sexual Assault and Abuse

Sexually abusive or exploitative behaviour ranging from violent rape to indecent assault and sexual harassment.

 

Developmental Abuse

Doing for people what they can do for themselves, treating adults like children.

 

Report abuse immediately to a Supervisor, the Manager or a Board Member.

 

Other avenues for dealing with abuse include: Advocacy Services, Child & Family Services, Disability Services, Guardianship Board, Public Guardian, Tasmania Police, Sexual Assault Support Services and Disability Services Ethics Committee.