'A violation of an individual's human and civil rights by any other
person or persons.' Abuse may consist of a single act or
repeated acts.
 
It may be physical, verbal or psychological; it may be an act of
neglect or an omission to act; or it may occur when a vulnerable
person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual
transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot
consent.
 
Harm can occur in any relationship and may result in significant
harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it.'
 
No Secrets (Department of Health 2000)
Abuse or harm is defined as: