‘If a person feels understood by a chatbot, then that subjective experience matters’

Mental health service leader Alexander Amatus considers how clinicians can work with clients who have already used AI therapeutically, and what that shift means for formulation, therapeutic alliance and risk.

26 March 2026


In my work across mental health service delivery, I am seeing more people arrive at care having already had a meaningful conversation about their distress with AI. Sometimes they have used a chatbot before booking. Sometimes they have drafted what they want to say before a first session. Sometimes, especially late at night, they have turned to it because it was immediate, private and available when no one else was. That shift matters, not because AI replaces therapy, but because it is increasingly shaping what happens before therapy even begins.

Psychologists are now more likely to meet clients whose first structured conversation about their distress did not occur in a consulting room, a GP surgery, or even with a trusted friend. It happened with a chatbot.

The disclosure is often not dramatic. It appears almost in passing:
"I asked ChatGPT what this might be."
"I used it to organise my thoughts."
"It helped me write what I wanted to say."
"I just needed something at 2am."

This development is neither surprising nor inherently problematic. AI systems offer what mental health services often struggle to provide at scale: immediacy, privacy, low friction and a non-judgemental interface. In contexts where shame, uncertainty and inertia commonly delay help-seeking, such features are not trivial. Digital mental health interventions have long demonstrated that accessibility and anonymity can reduce barriers to engagement (Andersson & Titov, 2014). Large language models extend this accessibility further by offering interactive, personalised responses in real time.

The clinical question, therefore, is not whether AI sits within the client journey – it already does. The more pressing question is what this means for formulation, therapeutic alliance, risk assessment and care pathways when the first articulation of distress occurs in dialogue with a machine.
The pre-edited narrative

One of the subtler changes practitioners may now encounter is the increased coherence of client's initial accounts. Individuals who might once have struggled with where to begin can arrive with timelines, summaries and even tentative formulations. Some bring text they have written with AI assistance. For clients who find spontaneous verbal expression difficult, this can be helpful. It may reduce the cognitive load of starting therapy and allow earlier movement into meaningful discussion.

Yet coherence is not neutral. Psychologists do not work only with content; they also work with process. In psychodynamic traditions, attention to slips, contradictions and defensive organisation is central. In cognitive behavioural approaches, discrepancies between stated beliefs and behavioural evidence can be diagnostically informative. In systemic practice, what is omitted may matter as much as what is included.

Large language models are designed to generate coherence. They summarise, categorise and tidy. An emotionally fragmented account can be transformed into a plausible and linear narrative within seconds. What may be lost in that transformation are precisely the ruptures, hesitations and inconsistencies that provide access to underlying affect and meaning.
An experience not to be dismissed

Research into human-computer interaction suggests that users can attribute empathy, understanding and companionship to conversational systems (Bickmore & Picard, 2005). More recent analyses indicate that people may experience forms of perceived social support from companion chatbots (Ta et al., 2020). In some contexts, users report feeling heard or validated by these systems (Miner, Milstein & Hancock, 2017).

That subjective experience should not be dismissed. But feeling understood is not the same as being held in a therapeutic relationship. AI can reflect language back smoothly and responsively; it cannot assume responsibility, tolerate relational complexity, track risk over time, or participate in the negotiated work of therapy. In psychotherapy, empathy is only one component. The alliance also involves shared goals, agreed tasks, rupture and repair, accountability and movement toward change (Bordin, 1979).

When clients present with AI-assisted narratives, the task is not to dismiss them but to locate them clinically. It may be useful to ask: what part of this account feels genuinely yours, and what part feels shaped by the tool? What became clearer when you wrote it this way, and what became flatter, cleaner or more certain than it really felt? A practical stance is to treat AI-generated material as one artefact among others rather than as the definitive account. A clinician might say, "Let's use what you brought in, but let's also slow it down. What felt hardest to put into words? What still feels unresolved underneath this version?" The aim is not to undo coherence, but to reintroduce texture.
False completion and the illusion of resolution

A second phenomenon warrants attention. Some people experience transient relief after interacting with AI, and subsequently delay or avoid entering care.This can be understood as a form of false completion: an experience that resembles progress without constituting it. In behavioural terms, the interaction may function as negative reinforcement. Distress is reduced in the short term, which decreases motivation to pursue more effortful forms of support. Similar dynamics are familiar in reassurance-seeking cycles within anxiety disorders.

Digital mental health interventions have long grappled with engagement and adherence challenges (Christensen, Griffiths & Farrer, 2009). AI chat systems, because of their immediacy and conversational fluidity, may intensify these dynamics. A person can rehearse difficult conversations without having them, explore diagnoses without seeking assessment, or repeatedly query their symptoms until they receive an answer that feels sufficiently containing.

The clinical implication is not that AI use is inherently avoidant, but that its function matters. Is it scaffolding movement towards care, or substituting for it?


AI as part of the help-seeking pathway

Help-seeking in mental health rarely occurs as a single decision. It is a pathway shaped by appraisal, informal consultation, information-seeking and, eventually, formal engagement (Rickwood et al., 2005). AI now occupies a place within this pre-therapy landscape.

For some clients, AI supports emotional labelling or reduces task friction in booking appointments. For others, it assists with drafting messages, organising thoughts or reflecting between sessions. In these contexts, it may function as temporary cognitive scaffolding.

From a CBT perspective, the critical question is whether AI use increases behavioural activation and exposure or reinforces avoidance. From an attachment-informed perspective, reliance on AI may reflect difficulty tolerating relational vulnerability. From a systemic perspective, we might consider how AI-mediated preparation influences conversations within families, workplaces or broader support networks.

These are not abstract concerns. They bear directly on assessment. It may now be clinically prudent to ask, alongside questions about sleep and substance use, whether clients have engaged with AI tools in relation to their distress. A neutral enquiry such as, "Did you use any online or AI tools to think this through before coming?" can yield insight into coping patterns without inducing defensiveness.
The therapeutic relationship in context

Public discourse sometimes conflates linguistic responsiveness with therapeutic capacity. While AI systems can simulate empathic language, they do not hold responsibility. They do not track risk across sessions, manage safeguarding obligations or co-construct goals over time within a bounded ethical framework.

Meta-analytic evidence consistently demonstrates the centrality of therapeutic alliance to outcomes across modalities (Flückiger et al., 2018). Alliance involves agreement on tasks and goals as well as the bond. It unfolds in a relational field shaped by history, transference, countertransference and embodied presence. AI interactions, however sophisticated, are not situated within such a field.

This distinction is structural rather than sentimental. Psychotherapy is embedded within professional accountability, supervision and regulatory oversight. Risk assessment is not merely a conversational exchange but a clinical responsibility. AI systems do not bear duty of care.

At the same time, dismissing clients' experiences of support from AI would be clinically counterproductive. If a person reports feeling understood by a chatbot at 2am, that subjective experience matters. It may represent unmet needs within existing service models, particularly around accessibility and immediacy. The task is to integrate that reality without conflating simulation with relationship.
Formulation in an AI-influenced landscape

Formulation may require subtle adaptation. When a client presents with a self-diagnosis generated via AI, the clinician's role is not simply to confirm or refute it, but to explore how that diagnosis functions psychologically. Does it provide relief, identity coherence and permission to seek help? Or does it close down curiosity too early?

Similarly, if a client has rehearsed conversations with AI, it may be useful to explore what aspects felt safer in that context. Was it the absence of perceived judgement? AI systems often present information in a confident tone. Clients may arrive with apparently well-informed conceptualisations that blur distinctions between psychoeducation and personalised assessment. Clarifying the limits of generalised information without undermining the client's agency becomes part of the work.

In service contexts, consistent language may also be required across intake teams and clinicians to manage cases where AI use intersects with risk. Relief derived from an AI interaction should not substitute for formal triage in situations involving suicidality, safeguarding concerns or severe deterioration.
Beyond polarisation

Debate around AI in mental health often oscillates between utopian replacement and existential threat. In everyday clinical practice, the reality is quieter. People are using AI as an emotional and cognitive buffer before deciding whether to disclose vulnerability to another human. Sometimes this facilitates engagement; sometimes it delays it.

For psychologists, the appropriate response is unlikely to be either prohibition or enthusiasm. It is adjustment. Updating assessment questions, refining formulations and differentiating between relief and progress are practical steps. So too is curiosity about what clients are seeking in these interactions: speed, anonymity, structure, containment. Those needs are real, and services may need to respond to them without compromising relational depth. If clients now arrive having already spoken to AI, the task is not to compete with the machine. It is to understand the function it served, and to situate that function within a broader therapeutic process that remains, at its core, human.

Alexander Amatus works at the intersection of AI and mental health service delivery. He is part of the leadership team at TherapyNearMe.com.au, a national Australian mental health service, where his work focuses on safer, more human-centred pathways into care and the clinical implications of emerging technologies.

See also our AI collection.


References

Andersson, G. & Titov, N. (2014) 'Advantages and limitations of Internet-based interventions for common mental disorders', World Psychiatry, 13(1), pp. 4–11. doi:10.1002/wps.20083.

Bickmore, T.W. & Picard, R.W. (2005) 'Establishing and maintaining long-term human-computer relationships', ACM Transactions on Computer-Human Interaction, 12(2). doi:10.1145/1067860.1067867.

Bordin, E.S. (1979) 'The generalizability of the psychoanalytic concept of the working alliance', Psychotherapy: Theory, Research & Practice, 16(3), pp. 252–260. doi:10.1037/h0085885.

Christensen, H., Griffiths, K.M. & Farrer, L. (2009) 'Adherence in internet interventions for anxiety and depression', Journal of Medical Internet Research, 11(2), e13. doi:10.2196/jmir.1194.

Flückiger, C., Del Re, A.C., Wampold, B.E. & Horvath, A.O. (2018) 'The alliance in adult psychotherapy: A meta-analytic synthesis', Psychotherapy, 55(4), pp. 316–340. doi:10.1037/pst0000172.

Miner, A.S., Milstein, A. & Hancock, J.T. (2017) 'Talking to machines about personal mental health problems', JAMA, 318(13), pp. 1217–1218. doi:10.1001/jama.2017.14151.

Rickwood, D., Deane, F.P., Wilson, C.J. & Ciarrochi, J. (2005) 'Young people's help-seeking for mental health problems', Australian e-Journal for the Advancement of Mental Health, 4(3), pp. 218–251. doi:10.5172/jamh.4.3.218.

Ta, V., Griffith, C., Boatfield, C., Wang, X., Civitello, M., Bader, H., DeCero, E. & Loggarakis, A. (2020) 'User experiences of social support from companion chatbots in everyday contexts: Thematic analysis', Journal of Medical Internet Research, 22(3), e16235. doi:10.2196/16235.

SOURCE:

https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/if-person-feels-understood-chatbot-then-subjective-experience-matters(accessed 13.9.26)

The polycrisis, psychology and political influence

Chartered Psychologist Roger Paxton on causation and resolution around the problems facing our world.

09 September 2026



The world is in a state of polycrisis. The climate and ecological crisis; increasing polarisation and the rise of the far right threatening democracies; vast economic and social inequalities; raging wars which may well spread; the ignoring of human rights and international justice; and the unknown threats posed by artificial intelligence (AI). Moreover, the crises are causally interrelated: as the continuing climate and ecological crisis makes more places uninhabitable, migration pressures will increase, strengthening the far right, further threatening democracy and international security, and so on.

The seriousness of the threats cannot be overstated. There are political, economic, sociological and moral aspects of all the crises, and actions against them are needed at many levels, including of course the psychological level.

In a forthcoming paper (Paxton, in press), I argue that psychology and morals lie at the centre of the polycrisis – the centre of both its causation and resolution. In this article I summarise the argument in that paper and then expand on the actions proposed, demonstrating their necessity and practicality..
The polycrisis and morals

Polycrisis has been defined as the causal entanglement of crises in multiple global systems in ways that significantly degrade humanity's prospects (Lawrence et al, 2024). (We should add that it is not just humanity's prospects that are affected). Various conceptual and theoretical frameworks have been applied to understand it, as Lawrence et al note. A different approach is taken in the paper summarised here, focusing on psychology. It is psychological factors – human decisions and actions - that have caused and are still causing all of it.

There are many psychological aspects of the polycrisis, but a striking feature is that all the component crises result from people not caring enough about others; in particular others who are distant or different. If we cared more about more people who are far away and about future generations we would look beyond the short term to change our lifestyles and try to empathise with and help rather than ignoring or scapegoating distant people. We would pressure our politicians to act morally, to ease global suffering, counter terrifying threats and try to protect future generations. Of course, as is often the case, the moral course of action here coincides with enlightened longer term self-interest, but short term self-interest too often predominates.

Our insufficient concern for these many millions of distant and different people can be seen as an altruism failure. Such failures have been called 'the ur problem of morality' – the origin of all morally problematic situations (Kitcher, 2021). Another way to put it is that our 'circle of moral concern' (Singer, 2011; Buchanan & Powell, 2018) is narrow, and moral progress, in the form of caring more about more people, means widening the circle of moral concern. Although this is hard, history shows that it is possible. Commonly cited examples are the abolition of chattel slavery, the expansion of opportunities for women, and the acceptance of gay relationships. None of this is without room for further improvement, but the examples all show expansion of the moral circle on a wide international scale to include groups that were previously greatly wronged.

These expansions can be seen as steps in our social and moral evolution. The progress needed now will be a great but necessary further step in the social evolution of morality. In the deep past, survival was enhanced by cooperating and caring in local areas, beyond kinship groups (Sauer, et al., 2021). Now morality, and even human survival, require caring and cooperation on a global scale.

Moral advances have typically occurred on several fronts, with individual changes in awareness and commitment spreading, leading on to public declarations, modifications of laws, and the further widening of changes in the attitudes and conduct of individuals. These are social movements (Tilly, 2004), in which awareness, commitment and campaigning spread, involving increasing numbers of people in sharing a wider circle of moral concern, and producing sustained pressure on policy makers to change. Much broader and stronger social movements are needed now.
The polycrisis and psychology

What can psychologists, psychology and psychological organisations contribute to developing social movements to produce the huge changes that are needed?

We can and should act at various levels. Firstly, as citizens we should stay informed about the many crises, and, in relation to the climate and ecological crisis in particular, behave responsibly and consistently, striving to change our lifestyles accordingly – living greener lives and voting with reference to moral principles. We should value and contribute to our local communities, helping to develop awareness of these vital issues and the need for change. Kitcher (2021) outlines a process he calls democratic contractualism, that includes engaging with, rather than avoiding, political opponents. We should accept that political disagreements may rest on different value sets (set out in detail by Haidt, 2012) which might productively be explored.

As psychologists we can make special contributions, addressing the moral issues that underpin and reinforce the polycrisis and helping to promote the moral expansion required. We can bring expertise to develop conversations to counter what Sandel (2012) calls the moral vacancy of contemporary public life; the steady erosion of the public sphere, the spread of marketisation, the near-normality of lying, and the absence of morals in statements by politicians. We can use moral psychology, such as Rest's model of moral reasoning (Narvaez & Rest, 1995), to inform discussions, identifying moral issues and adding moral questions to discussions about the economics and politics of policy choices.

Applied psychologists, drawing on evidence from social and political psychology and behaviour change, can do more to publicise the psychological causes and effects of the elements of the polycrisis, not just in their teaching and practice, in which several Divisions of the British Psychological Society (BPS) are already active, but also in making public statements, disseminating evidence on the psychological causes and consequences of the crises and publicising appropriate actions..

Psychological organisations like the BPS can extend and build on these personal conversations and interventions, publicising not just the causes and consequences of the crises, but also the personal as well as social benefits of moral reflection and progress. Consciousness of one's values, choosing moral values and structuring one's life around their fulfillment is an important contribution to personal wellbeing (DeYoung & Tiberius, 2022), which is also associated with positive mental health (Goering et al, 2024). The BPS should lobby for moral wellbeing to be supported as a matter of national policy, analogous to the familiar public health emphasis on both physical and mental wellbeing (Paxton, 2020).

Psychological organisations are in a stronger position than individual psychologists to influence public opinion, helping to develop social movements. The BPS, the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations (EFPA), the American Psychological Association (APA) and others have made clear statements, particularly in relation to the climate and ecological crisis. An example is the BPS Position Statement on the Climate and Ecological Crisis. There is much more for psychology to contribute to broadening public understanding of the crises, including climate and ecological anxiety, and the intellectual, emotional and social harm of disinformation, human rights abuses, and the challenges to democracy.

Psychological organisations can also exert wider influence by publicising the activities of their members who campaign to shift public opinion and national policy in the areas of the polycrisis. The Psychologist magazine published an account from a BPS member describing her part in peaceful protests against the climate and ecological crisis and her reasons for these actions (Jones, 2020). The Psychologist also published a special issue focused on the climate and biodiversity crisis (Morrisey, et al., 2025).
Political influence

The preceding paragraphs summarise actions taken by the BPS so far, specifically in relation to the climate and ecological crisis. Similar energy is needed regarding the other crises. We know that democracy is associated with improved life satisfaction, trust and social relationships, and we know that global insecurity is an obvious source of anxiety, and so on. Psychological changes – changes in awareness, attitudes and actions – are required to confront all of them. Given the clear current worsening of the climate and ecological crisis, not to mention the other components of the polycrisis, the Society should be aiming higher, in terms of the range of topics and in seeking to achieve national policy changes.

But could this be seen as the Society engaging in political activity? And if so, would this be legitimate with regard to its stated objectives, strategy and legal obligations and constraints as a charity?

The answer to both these questions is yes. Seeking to influence politicians is undeniably political activity. However, reference to relevant documents, as follows, shows that actions against the polycrisis should be of central relevance to the BPS, and are fully in keeping with its responsibilities as a charity.

The BPS Royal Charter ( updated 19 July 2022) says (section 3 (1), that 'The objects of the Society shall be to promote the advancement and diffusion of a knowledge of psychology pure and applied and especially to promote the efficiency and usefulness of Members of the Society…' (italics added). The BPS Strategy, last revised in 2024, expresses the Society's vision as; 'Building a world where psychology transforms lives'; an ambitious and admirable statement. In addition, the BPS is a member of EFPA (the European Federation of Psychologists' Associations), the stated purpose of which is: contributing to society, developing psychology, serving psychologists.

So far as the legitimacy of seeking to influence policy makers is concerned, the Charity Commission Guidance on political activity and campaigning by charities is as follows: 'Charities… can take part in political activity that supports their purpose and is in their best interest ….(italics added). Charities must remain independent and must not give their support to a political party'.

To summarise, the BPS has a duty to assist its members in applying psychology for the public good. The public good is very seriously threatened by the polycrisis, and political actions are needed to challenge it. Political, but not party political, influence is legitimate and necessary.

What next? The above summary of actions that have been taken shows that more has been done against the climate and ecological crisis than about any of the other crises. It is arguable that it is the most pressing of the crises, but all are desperately serious. For moral reasons, and simply in pursuit of survival, we must give sustained attention to the climate and ecological crisis while devoting more energy in the same ways to the others. And, as well as extending the range of our concerns - extending our circle of moral concern much more widely - we must act more publicly and therefore more effectively to contribute to achieving the social and political changes required. The BPS can legitimately and consistently do more to contribute to the political influence needed.

Aspiring to these huge changes may seem naive and idealistic, but in fact it is realistic as well as necessary. The greatly underreported multi-authored Global Justice Report: a plan for equality and prosperity within planetary boundaries (Chancel, et al., 2026), demonstrates that planetary habitability can be reconciled with high well-being for all, if there is fast decarbonisation, major shifts in consumption patterns and drastic reductions in inequalities. It shows that all these changes are technically and economically feasible. These changes are not just about climate and ecological justice but much more widely about social and economic justice, all of which are needed for a peaceful future. Although the required changes are enormously challenging, the report presents a quantified plan to show that this better future is possible, and details what its achievement will involve. Survivability and social justice are possible, but major social and political changes are required for their achievement.

In the longer term, if we survive the polycrisis many lessons will be able to be drawn, not the least of which, as Buchanan (2020) notes, will be the need for more resilient institutions that will support morality more effectively; better protecting truth and openness, and promoting care for others. Psychology needs to assist with all these changes, immediate and longer term.

Roger Paxton PhD CPsychol FBPsS is a member of the BPS Climate and Environment Action Co-ordinating Group. He is a retired clinical psychologist, past Chair of the BPS Ethics Committee, and Associate Editor for 'Looking Back' on The Psychologist.

SOURCE:

https://www.bps.org.uk/psychologist/polycrisis-psychology-and-political-influence(accessed 10.9.26)

Η βία έχει πολλές μορφές.

Αναγνώρισε τα σημάδια της βίας σε μια σχέση
Κάθε επιζώσα μπορεί να ξεφύγει από μια κακοποιητική σχέση. Σε αυτή τη διαδρομή δεν είναι μόνη.


Η ενδοοικογενειακή βία αποτελεί μια από τις πιο διαδεδομένες μορφές έμφυλης βίας, παγκοσμίως. Σύμφωνα με το Συμβούλιο της Ευρώπης μία στις τέσσερις Ευρωπαίες βιώνει ή θα βιώσει ενδοοικογενειακή βία κάποια στιγμή στη ζωή της, ενώ κάθε χρόνο 6% έως 10% των γυναικών υφίστανται ενδοοικογενειακή βία. Μπορεί να συμβεί σε όλες, στο γάμο, τη σχέση, τη συμβίωση, από τον νυν, πρώην ή τέως σύζυγο/σύντροφο.
Επαναλαμβανόμενο μοτίβο

Η ενδοοικογενειακή βία περιλαμβάνει ένα επαναλαμβανόμενο μοτίβο παραβιαστικών συμπεριφορών που ασκεί ο δράστης, με στόχο να διατηρήσει την εξουσία και τον (κοινωνικό) έλεγχο πάνω στο θύμα του, είτε είναι γυναίκα ή παιδί.

Με τις συνεχείς λεκτικές και σωματικές τιμωρίες, τις απειλές, τον εξαναγκασμό, ο κακοποιητής έχει ως σκοπό να εκφοβίσει, να τρομάξει, να ταπεινώσει το θύμα, να του «σπάει» το ηθικό και να το κάνει να νιώσει ανίκανο να προβάλει αντίσταση, να δει καθαρά την κατάσταση.

Πέρα από τη σωματική κακοποίηση (χαστούκια, σπρώξιμο, τράβηγμα από τα μαλλιά, κ.ά.) που απειλεί τη σωματική ακεραιότητα του θύματος, η ενδοοικογενειακή βία παίρνει διάφορες μορφές: λεκτική, ψυχολογική, σωματική, σεξουαλική κακοποίηση και οικονομική βία – που δεν αφήνουν ορατά σημάδια αλλά τραυματίζουν εξίσου.
Ψυχολογική βία

Πρόκειται για συστηματική, επίπονη και διαβρωτική διαδικασία που οδηγεί την επιζώσα σε διανοητική και συναισθηματική οδύνη ή βλάβη. Ως ψυχολογική και συναισθηματική κακοποίηση αναφέρεται ένα σύνολο ενεργειών: πρώτον ο εκφοβισμός και οι απειλές για σωματική ή σεξουαλική βία. Συχνότατα ο θύτης απειλεί ότι θα βλάψει το θύμα ή την οικογένειά του, ότι θα πάρει την κηδεμονία των παιδιών ή ότι θα αυτοκτονήσει.

Δεύτερον, η συστηματική ταπείνωση και διαρκής κριτική, η δημιουργία ενοχών στη σύντροφο, και ο αδιάκοπος έλεγχο της προσωπικής της ζωής. Τρίτον, η προσπάθεια απομόνωσης του θύματος, από τον οικογενειακό/φιλικό/συγγενικό περίγυρο.

Τα παραπάνω στοχεύουν στη μείωση της αυτοπεποίθησης, την υπονόμευση της αυτοεκτίμησης του θύματος, σε σημείο που το ίδιο να αμφιβάλλει για την ψυχική του διαύγεια και να πιστεύει ότι είναι υπεύθυνο και ένοχο για την κακοποίηση που δέχεται.
Λεκτική βία

Η λεκτική βία είναι άμεσα συνδεδεμένη με την ψυχολογική κακοποίηση. Εμπεριέχει ένα ευρύ φάσμα συμπεριφορών που ξεκινούν από φωνές, απειλές και εξυβρίσεις και φτάνουν ως το λεκτικό εξευτελισμό και την τρομοκράτηση.

Στόχος της λεκτικής κακοποίησης είναι η χειραγώγηση διαμέσου του φόβου και ο έλεγχος πάνω στη ζωή του ατόμου. Οι προσβολές, οι κατηγορίες, οι μομφές, η δυσφήμηση, η επίρριψη ευθυνών για την κακοποιητική συμπεριφορά στο θύμα, οι συνεχείς επικρίσεις, η λεκτική υποβάθμιση και υπονόμευση της αυτοπεποίθησης, αποτελούν μερικά μόνο πρόσωπα αυτού του πολύπλοκου φαινομένου.

Αν και είναι η πιο συνηθισμένη μορφή ενδοοικογενειακής βίας, είναι αρκετά κανονικοποιημένη είτε γιατί δεν υπάρχουν ορατές αποδείξεις ή γιατί ο θύτης μπορεί να παραπλανά, διατηρώντας άψογη συμπεριφορά στο δημόσιο χώρο.
Οικονομική βία

Η οικονομική βία είναι η στέρηση πόρων, ευκαιριών, αγαθών και υπηρεσιών. Συνήθως, η οικονομική βία εντός της σχέσης αποσκοπεί στον έλεγχο της συντρόφου προκειμένου να αισθανθεί ανίσχυρη και αδύναμη να εγκαταλείψει τον κακοποιητικό δεσμό.

Η οικονομική βία ασκείται με πολλούς τρόπους: Πρώτον, τη στέρηση του δικαιώματος για οικονομική αυτονομία. Χαρακτηριστικό παράδειγμα αποτελεί η απαγόρευση ή παρεμπόδιση του δικαιώματος στην εργασία.

Δεύτερον, τον έλεγχο των περιουσιακών στοιχείων και του εισοδήματος του θύματος. Ο θύτης μπορεί να αποσπά τον μισθό της συντρόφου του ή να αρνείται την κατά βούληση αξιοποίησή του, να την αποκλείει από χρηματοπιστωτικούς πόρους (π.χ. παρακράτηση τραπεζικής κάρτας), να την εξαναγκάζει να πάρει δάνειο στο όνομά της, να μην της επιτρέπει την πρόσβαση στο οικογενειακό εισόδημα ή να αποφασίζει για κοινούς πόρους χωρίς την ενημέρωση της.

Τέλος περιλαμβάνει την αποστέρηση του θύματος από αναγκαία εισοδήματα για την κάλυψη των βασικών του αναγκών.
Σεξουαλική βία

Αφορά οποιαδήποτε σεξουαλική πράξη, αλλά και απόπειρα τέτοιας πράξης, χωρίς την εκούσια και ελεύθερη συναίνεση του θύματος. Κατά την άσκησή της, συχνά (αλλά όχι πάντα) χρησιμοποιείται σωματική βία, εξαναγκασμός, αλλά και απειλές βίας.
Ο κύκλος της βίας

Πολύ συχνά οι γυναίκες που έχουν κακοποιηθεί αναφέρουν πως νιώθουν εγκλωβισμένες σε ένα κλοιό που σφίγγει, σε ένα φαύλο κύκλο από τον οποίο δεν μπορούν να ξεφύγουν. Αυτή η αίσθηση δημιουργείται όταν το θύμα βρίσκεται αντιμέτωπο με τον αποκαλούμενο «κύκλο της βίας».

Ο «κύκλος της βίας», που έχει τρεις φάσεις, μπαίνει σε λειτουργία σε όλες τις κακοποιητικές σχέσεις, οδηγώντας την επιζώσα σε παράλυση, παραίτηση και εν τέλει θυματοποίηση, κάτι που είναι και ο στόχος του κακοποιητή, προκειμένου να εξασφαλίσει την κάμψη της αντίστασής της.
Πρώτη φάση: δημιουργία της έντασης

Το pattern είναι σταθερό, αποτελούμενο από τρεις διακριτές φάσεις, που ποικίλουν σε χρόνο και σε ένταση. Πρώτη είναι η φάση της «δημιουργίας της έντασης». Εδώ κάνουν την εμφάνιση τους τα πρώτα σημάδια κακοποιητικών συμπεριφορών. Το άγχος στη σχέση αρχίζει να κλιμακώνεται.

Ο κακοποιητής σύζυγος/σύντροφος παρουσιάζει απροσδόκητα ξεσπάσματα θυμού, για ασήμαντες αφορμές (π.χ. γιατί δεν είναι έτοιμο το φαγητό στην ώρα του ή γιατί τον ξύπνησε το κλάμα του μωρού). Η γυναίκα πιστεύει ότι μπορεί να τον κατευνάσει αν είναι υποχωρητική και περιποιητική ή κρατώντας αποστάσεις.

Η ίδια πνίγει το θυμό της. Σταδιακά, η κατάσταση αρχίζει να ξεφεύγει από τον έλεγχο, με τον κακοποιητή να αυξάνει σταθερά την ψυχολογική πίεση. Η φάση αυτή μπορεί να κρατήσει μεγάλο χρονικό διάστημα.
Δεύτερη φάση: η «έκρηξη»

Μένος, μανία, βαναυσότητα, έλλειψη ελέγχου, σοβαρά επεισόδια κακοποίησης, σωματικές βλάβες – πρόκειται για τη «φάση της έκρηξης». Εδώ η επιζώσα κατανοεί ότι είναι αδύνατο να συζητήσει λογικά και υπεύθυνα με το θύτη. Πιστεύει ότι κάθε προβαλλόμενη αντίσταση θα χειροτερέψει την κατάσταση.

Πρόκειται για την πιο τρομακτική στιγμή στον «κύκλο της βίας», που μπορεί να οδηγήσει σε σοβαρόρτατες σωματικές βλάβες, ακόμα και σε γυναικοκτονία.

Παράλληλα είναι και η πιο σύντομη φάση, καθώς διαρκεί, συνήθως, από δυο (2) έως είκοσι τέσσερις (24) ώρες.

Πολλές γυναίκες τότε εγκαταλείπουν τον κακοποιητή. Άλλες πάλι, αδυνατώντας να φύγουν για διάφορους λόγους, αποστασιοποιούνται από την επίθεση και τον τρομερό πόνο που επιφέρει.
Τρίτη φάση: η «συμφιλίωση»

Μετά το ξέσπασμα ακολουθεί η «περίοδος της συμφιλίωσης». Η ένταση και η βία υποχωρούν. Το ζευγάρι αισθάνεται ανακούφιση και αποσιωπά το βίαιο επεισόδιο ή βρίσκει τρόπους να το δικαιολογήσει.

Ο θύτης μεταμορφώνεται σ’ «άγγελο», δείχνει μεταμέλεια, απολογείται, ζητάει συγγνώμη, προσφέρει δώρα και υπόσχεται να μην το ξανακάνει. Σε καμία περίπτωση όμως δεν αναλαμβάνει την ευθύνη για τις πράξεις του. Αντίθετα επιμένει ότι η συμπεριφορά του θύματος τον εξώθησε στη βία.

Η κακοποιημένη γυναίκα στη διάρκεια της τρίτης φάσης, επιθυμώντας να διατηρήσει την ήρεμη ατμόσφαιρα, πείθει τον εαυτό της ότι ο σύντροφός/σύζυγος δεν θα το ξανακάνει και θα αλλάξει. Αυτή ακριβώς είναι η πιο κρίσιμη φάση για τον εγκλωβισμό και τη θυματοποίηση της.

Σύντομα ο κύκλος θα επαναληφθεί…
Μαθαίνοντας να κατηγορείς εσένα

Η ενδοοικογενειακή βία έχει σημαντικότατες επιπτώσεις στην ψυχική υγεία των γυναικών (άγχος, κατάθλιψη, σκέψεις αυτοκτονίας, μετατραυματικό στρες, ψυχοσωματικά συμπτώματα κ.ά.). Το συναισθηματικό προφίλ που αναπτύσσουν (χαμηλή αυτοεκτίμηση, αισθήματα αναξιότητας, αίσθηση ότι δεν αξίζει να αγαπηθούν), σε συνδυασμό με τις εναλλασσόμενες αντιδράσεις του κακοποιητή, τις εγκλωβίζει στο «κύκλο της βίας».

Μάλιστα, σταδιακά, η επιζώσα χρόνιας ενδοοικογενειακής βίας βλέπει τον εαυτό της με το βλέμμα του δράστη. «Μαθαίνει» να κατηγορεί τον εαυτό της. Ο κακοποιητής, αργά και μεθοδικά, της «εμφυτεύει» την ιδέα ότι είναι συνυπεύθυνη, ώστε να παραιτηθεί από κάθε σενάριο διαφυγής.

Πολλές φορές, οι κακοποιημένες γυναίκες χρησιμοποιούν ακόμη και τα λόγια ή τα επιχειρήματα των ίδιων των δραστών: «Είμαι σαν τη μάνα μου, όπως και εκείνη τσάντιζε τον πατέρα μου και τις έτρωγε, έτσι κι εγώ», «Όλα τα κάνω λάθος, κάτι πάει στραβά με εμένα», «Ναι αλλά και εγώ τον προκάλεσα».

Εσωτερικεύοντας μια ευθύνη, που σε καμία περίπτωση δεν τους αναλογεί, οι γυναίκες που κακοποιούνται κυριαρχούνται από αισθήματα ενοχής και ντροπής, τα οποία δημιουργούν σημαντικά εμπόδια στην αποκάλυψη και καταγγελία της βίας.
Η «μαθημένη αβοηθησία»

Οι επαναλαμβανόμενες οδυνηρές εμπειρίες κακοποίησης και το τραυματικό είδος του δεσμού με το θύτη –που ενδυναμώνεται σε περιόδους μεταξύ των περιστατικών, όταν ο θύτης είναι ήρεμος, στοργικός και απολογητικός– οδηγεί τις επιζώσες σε παραλυσία, αίσθηση ανεπάρκειας και ανικανότητας υποστήριξης του εαυτού.

Σε αυτή την κατάσταση της λεγόμενης «μαθημένης αβοηθησίας», τα θύματα έχουν την εντύπωση ότι δεν ασκούν κανένα έλεγχο στη ζωή τους, οπότε σταδιακά εγκαταλείπουν την ιδέα της ανεξαρτητοποίησης μέσω της φυγής.

Μάλιστα, η φυγή λαμβάνει, τρομακτικές διαστάσεις εξαιτίας του φόβου: Φόβος διαρκής μέσα στη σχέση, για το τι θα συμβεί την επόμενη στιγμή. Φόβος ότι ο δράστης θα κάνει κακό σε εκείνη και τα παιδιά, άμα φύγουν. Φόβος ότι δεν θα γίνει πιστευτή. Φόβος κοινωνικού στιγματισμού.

Τέλος, και η οικονομική βία και εξάρτηση από τον κακοποιητή συνιστά σημαντικό ανασταλτικό παράγοντα. Ειδικά σε περιπτώσεις που γυναίκες δεν εργάζονται, νιώθουν εξαιρετικά αδύναμες να φύγουν, καθώς πιστεύουν ότι δεν θα μπορέσουν να ανταπεξέλθουν στις ανάγκες της καθημερινότητας, κυρίως δε όταν έχουν παιδιά.
Φτιάξε ένα πλάνο φυγής

Αν θες να ξεφύγεις από μια κακοποιητική σχέση είναι αναγκαίο να μεθοδεύσεις τη φυγή σου. Επειδή κατά το χωρισμό ο δράστης βλέπει πως χάνει τον απόλυτο έλεγχο στη ζωή της συντρόφου/συζύγου του, εξαγριώνεται και προσπαθεί με κάθε μέσο να αποτρέψει τη φυγή. Το δεδομένο αυτό κάνει αναγκαία τη λήψη μέτρων προστασίας, την κατάρτιση ενός «Σχεδίου Ασφαλείας» από μεριά της επιζώσας.

Παρακάτω, μπορείς να βρεις κάποια ενδεικτικά βήματα που είναι χρήσιμο να έχεις κατά νου αν θες να ξεφύγεις από μια βίαιη σχέση. Φυσικά το κάθε πλάνο απόδρασης δεν μπορεί παρά να είναι εξατομικευμένο, προσαρμοσμένο στις ανάγκες της κάθε γυναίκας, αφού μόνο εκείνη γνωρίζει τι είναι καλύτερο και ασφαλές για την ίδια και τα παιδιά της.

Γραμμή SOS 15900

ΠΗΓΗ:

https://diotima.org.gr/anagnorise-ta-simadia-tis-vias-se-mia-schesi/(accessed 6.9.26)

Help after rape and sexual assault

If you've been sexually assaulted it's important to remember that it was not your fault. Sexual violence is a crime, no matter who commits it or where it happens. Don't be afraid to get help.

There are services that can help if you've been sexually assaulted, raped or abused. You don't have to report the assault to the police if you don't want to. You may need time to think about what has happened to you.

But you should get medical help for any injuries and because you may be at risk of pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you want the crime to be investigated, it's best to have a forensic medical examination as soon as possible.

Try not to wash or change your clothes immediately after a sexual assault. This may destroy forensic evidence that could be important if you decide to report the assault to the police (although you can still go to the police even if you have washed).
Where to get help

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) offer medical, practical and emotional support to anyone who has been raped, sexually assaulted or abused. SARCs have specially trained doctors, nurses and support workers to care for you.

You can get help from a SARC by booking an appointment with your nearest one.Find your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC)

Other places you can get help include:a doctor or practice nurse at your GP surgery
a voluntary organisation, such as Rape Crisis, Women's Aid, Victim Support, The Survivors Trust or Male Survivors Partnership
the 24-hour freephone National Domestic Abuse Helpline, run by Refuge, on 0808 2000 247
the rape and sexual abuse support line run by Rape Crisis England and Wales – you can call the helpline on 0808 500 2222 or use the online chat (both are free and are open 24 hours a day, every day of the year)
a hospital accident and emergency (A&E) department
a genitourinary medicine (GUM) or sexual health clinic
a contraceptive clinic
a young people's service
call NHS 111 or get help from 111 online
the police, or dial 101
in an emergency, dial 999
About sexual assault referral centres (SARCs)

Sexual assault referral centres (SARCs) are located across the country and available for everyone, regardless of gender, age, the type of incident, or when it happened.

SARCs offer a range of services, including crisis care, medical and forensic examinations and emergency contraception. They can also arrange access to an independent sexual assault advisor (ISVA), as well as referrals to mental health support and sexual violence support services.

If you are thinking about reporting an assault to the police, the centre can arrange for you to speak to a specially trained police officer who can explain the next steps.

If you decide to report the assault to the police, specially trained advisors can support you through the criminal justice system. They can also support you through the trial if the case goes to court.

Forensic medical examinations can be arranged, even if you have not decided if you want to report the assault.

It is not recommended to use a self-swab kit as this could affect the ability to get a DNA sample for evidence if you choose to report it to the police.
Having a medical examination at a SARC


It's your choice whether you’re examined or not. You can also choose to have some parts of the examination but not others.

Some people find the examination reassuring. It's a chance to check for injuries and infections and collect possible evidence.

SARCs have private rooms and specially trained doctors and nurses. You can ask for a male or female examiner and choose who is in the room with you.

A doctor or nurse will ask you health questions, for example about the assault or recent sexual activity. If you choose, they can collect swabs and other samples. They can also document any injuries that can be used as evidence.

They will explain what they've found and discuss with you your options. They will also offer you any treatment, such as emergency contraception or protection from certain STIs.

In most SARCs you can have a shower before you leave, if you want to.


NHS video about what happens at a SARC (YouTube)
What is sexual assault?

A sexual assault is any sexual act that a person did not consent to or is forced into against their will.

It's a form of sexual violence and includes rape (an assault involving penetration of the vagina, anus or mouth), or other sexual offences, such as groping, forced kissing, child sexual abuse, or the torture of a person in a sexual manner.

Sexual violence or assault can happen to anyone of any age.
Consent

Sexual assault is an act that is carried out without a person's active consent. This means they did not agree to it.

Consent means saying "yes" to what happened.

Being intoxicated, not being asked, saying nothing, feeling like you have to say yes, or having said yes in the past, is not consent. Being in a relationship or married to someone is not consent.

Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
Sexual assault is a crime

It's not uncommon for someone who's been sexually assaulted to have no physical injuries or signs of the assault. But sexual assault is still a crime and can be reported to the police in the same way as other crimes.

Most sexual assaults are carried out by someone known to the person who's been assaulted. This could be a partner, former partner, relative, friend or colleague. The assault may happen in many places, but is usually in the home of the person who's been assaulted or the home of the perpetrator (the person carrying out the assault).
If your drink has been spiked

Spiking is when alcohol or drugs have been put in your drink without your permission.

If your drink has been spiked or you've been injected with an unknown substance, and you think you've been sexually assaulted, go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support.

You can also get help from a GP surgery, A&E or a sexual health clinic.

If your drink has been spiked but you've not been sexually assaulted, call 111 for urgent medical advice if you have any symptoms you're worried about.

Also, contact the police to tell them what happened.

Find more information and advice about spiking on the Frank website
Looking for forensic evidence

If you have been sexually assaulted, you don't have to have a forensic medical examination. However, it can provide useful evidence if the case goes to court. It’s possible to collect evidence, such as DNA, evidence of spiking and loose hair as part of the medical evidence.

You can decide at any stage if you would like a forensic medical examination. However, the sooner this takes place, the more chance of collecting evidence. If the assault occurred more than 7 days ago, it is still worth asking for advice from a SARC or the police about a forensic medical examination if you would like to have one.

Usually, the doctor or nurse will take the samples, such as swabs from anywhere you have been kissed, touched or had anything inserted. They might also take urine and blood samples and occasionally hair, depending on the information you provide about the assault, and also retain some clothing and other items (if they do they will give you new clothes).

You can choose to only have some samples taken, for example, urine or clothing. It's important to have the samples taken as soon as possible, as forensic evidence will wear and wash away.

If you haven't decided whether to involve the police, any forensic medical evidence that's collected will be stored at the SARC. This allows you time to decide if you do want to report the assault.

In some SARCs you can choose to have your samples processed without identifying you (in case the person who assaulted you has assaulted someone else).
If you report the assault to the police

If you do decide to report the assault to the police, a police officer specially trained in supporting people who have been sexually assaulted will talk to you and help to make sure you understand what's going on at each stage.

The police will investigate the assault. You will be offered a forensic medical examination and will be asked to make a statement about what happened (what you say is written down, which you check and sign). The police will pass their findings, including the forensic report, to the Crown Prosecution Service, who will decide whether the case should go to trial.

To find out more about what's involved in an investigation and trial, you can: Talk to an ISVA, supporting police officer or charity such as Rape Crisis
Find out more on GOV.UK about going to court as a victim or witness
Download a booklet called From Report to Court: A handbook for adult survivors of sexual violence, produced by the charity Rights of Women
Confidentiality

Your details will be kept as confidential as possible. However, if there's a police investigation or criminal prosecution linked to the assault, any material relating to it is "disclosable". This means it may have to be produced in court.

If there is no investigation or prosecution, information about you won't be shared with other services without your permission, unless there's a concern that you or anyone else is at risk of serious harm.
Supporting someone who has been sexually assaulted

Advice for relatives and friends of someone who has been sexually assaulted includes: Believe what they're saying and tell them this.
Listen to the person, but don't ask for details of the assault. Don't ask them why they didn't stop it. This can make them feel as though you blame them.
Offer practical support, such as asking them if they would like you to go with them to appointments.
Respect their decisions – for example, whether or not they want to report the assault to the police.
Bear in mind they might not want to be touched. Even a hug might upset them, so ask first. If you're in a sexual relationship with them, be aware that sex might be frightening, and don't put pressure on them to have sex.
Don't tell them to forget about the assault. It will take time for them to deal with their feelings and emotions. You can help by listening and being patient.

Find out more about how to support a survivor on the Rape and Sexual Abuse Support Centre website
If you're worried about a child

If you're worried about a child, it's important you talk to a professional who can make sure they are safe. Who you speak to will depend on the situation.

A young person might talk to a trusted teacher who would refer to something called the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) if needed.

You can also talk to someone from the MASH, or a social worker or the police if you prefer. You don't have to give your name.

You can find the number of your local MASH if you search online for MASH in your area.

You can also contact the NSPCC helpline.

SOURCE:

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/help-after-rape-and-sexual-assault/(accessed 27.8.26)

Infographic: Spotting the Signs of Elder Abuse

Abuse can happen to anyone, no matter the person’s age, sex, race, religion, or ethnic background. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. This mistreatment is called elder abuse.

Abuse can happen anywhere, including in the older person’s home, a family member’s home, an assisted living facility, or a nursing home. The mistreatment of older adults can be by family members, strangers, health care providers, caregivers, or friends.
Types of abuse

There are many types of abuse:
Physical abuse happens when someone causes bodily harm; for example, by hitting, pushing, or slapping. Physical abuse may also include restraining an older adult against their will, such as by locking them in a room or tying them to furniture.
Emotional abuse, sometimes called psychological abuse, can include a caregiver saying hurtful words, yelling, threatening, or repeatedly ignoring the older adult. Keeping that person from seeing close friends and relatives is another form of emotional abuse.
Neglect occurs when the caregiver does not try to respond to the older adult’s needs. Neglect may include ignoring physical, emotional, and social needs, or withholding food, medications, or access to health care.
Abandonment is leaving an older adult who needs help alone without planning for their care.
Sexual abuse involves forcing an older adult to watch or be part of sexual acts.
Financial abuse happens when money or belongings are misused or stolen from an older adult. It can include forging checks, taking someone else’s retirement or Social Security benefits, withholding access to money or financial information, or using a person’s credit cards and bank accounts without their permission. It also includes changing names on a will, bank account, life insurance policy, or title to a house without permission.
Who is being abused?

Abuse can happen to any older adult. Most victims of abuse are women, but some are men. Older adults without family or friends nearby and people with disabilities, memory problems, or dementia may be more vulnerable to abuse. Mistreatment most often affects those who depend on others for help with activities of everyday life — including bathing, dressing, and taking medicine.
Money matters

Older adults and caregivers should keep an eye out for financial abuse. Even someone a person has never met can steal their financial information using the telephone, internet, or email.

In addition to the theft of money or belongings, financial abuse also includes:Financial neglect: ignoring or avoiding an older adult’s financial responsibilities, such as paying rent or mortgage, medical expenses or insurance, utility bills, or property taxes.
Financial exploitation: the misuse, mismanagement, or exploitation of property, belongings, or assets. This form of financial abuse includes using an older adult’s assets without consent, under false pretenses, or through intimidation or manipulation.
Health care fraud: a form of financial abuse committed by health care providers, hospital staff, or other health care workers. It includes intentionally overcharging, billing twice for the same service, charging for care that wasn’t provided, or falsifying Medicaid or Medicare claims.
What are signs of abuse?

Share this infographic about how to spot the signs of elder abuse.

You may see signs of abuse or neglect when you visit an older adult at home or in a residential facility. An older person might be a victim of abuse if they:Become withdrawn or act agitated or violent
Display signs of trauma such as rocking back and forth
Have unexplained pressure marks, bruises, burns, cuts, or scars
Develop preventable conditions such as bedsores (open sores that can develop when a person stays in one position for a long time, such as being confined to a bed)
Have hazardous, unsafe, or unclean living conditions
Look messy, with unwashed hair, dirty clothes, or poor dental hygiene
Lack personal health care items such as glasses, a walker, dentures, or hearing aid
Have sudden and unexpected financial losses or unpaid bills despite having adequate financial resources

Watch for a pattern that might suggest a problem, and seek help if you are concerned.
How can you help spot elder abuse if you live far away?


From a distance, it can be hard to assess the quality of a family member’s care. Ideally, if there is a primary caregiver on the scene, they can keep tabs on how things are going. Or perhaps you can ask a friend or neighbor to stop by unannounced to check on the older adult.

Stay in touch with the older adult and take note of any comments or mood changes that might indicate neglect or mistreatment. Talk to someone who can act on your behalf. That might be the person’s doctor, your contact at a home health agency, or a geriatric care manager. If you feel that your family member is in immediate danger, call 911.

Who can help?

If you think someone you know is being abused — physically, emotionally, or financially — talk with them when the two of you are alone. You could say you think something is wrong and you’re worried. Offer to take them to get help, for instance, at a local adult protective services agency.

Most importantly, if you suspect an older person is being abused, report what you see to an authority. Many older adults are too ashamed to report mistreatment. Or they’re afraid if they make a report, it will get back to the abuser and make the situation worse. Therefore, family and friends must step in to address any problems. Most states also require that doctors and lawyers report elder mistreatment.

Some types of elder abuse may be criminal. You do not personally need to prove that abuse is occurring; professionals will investigate. Many local, state, and national social service agencies can help. These include:Adult Protective Services programs help protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. The National Adult Protective Services Association provides phone numbers for programs in each state on its website or by calling 202-370-6292.
The National Center on Elder Abuse provides guidance on how to report abuse, where to get help, and state laws that deal with abuse and neglect. Visit the Center online or call 855-500-3537 for more information.
Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for the needs of people who live in assisted living facilities, board and care homes, and nursing homes. They are trained to help resolve problems. Find a long-term care ombudsman in your state online or by calling 202-332-2275.

If you think someone is in urgent danger, call 911.
Caregiver stress and finding support

Caring for an older adult can be rewarding. It can also be demanding and stressful. A caregiver under stress might not even realize he or she is being neglectful or abusive.

If you are a caregiver, make time to rest and take care of your own needs. Ask a family member or friend to help for a weekend, or even for a few hours. Churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations in your community may have volunteers who can visit and help on a regular basis.

Respite care can also provide a break for caregivers. This care can be arranged for an afternoon or for several days or weeks. Visit the ARCH National Respite Network and Resource Center’s National Respite Locator Service to find respite services in your area.
What is the long-term effect of abuse?

Most physical wounds heal in time. But elder abuse can lead to early death, cause harm to physical and psychological health, destroy social and family ties, lead to devastating financial loss, and more.

Any type of mistreatment can leave the abused person feeling fearful and depressed. Sometimes, the victim thinks the abuse is their fault. Adult protective service agencies can suggest support groups and counseling that can help the abused person heal the emotional wounds.

SOURCE:

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/elder-abuse/elder-abuse(accessed 27.8.26)