Although we may not want to believe it, anyone can be the perpetrator of abuse against a vulnerable adult. Physical abuse is intentional bodily injury. Some examples include slapping, pinching, choking, kicking, shoving, or inappropriately using drugs or physical restraints.
Sexual abuse is nonconsensual sexual contact.
Examples include unwanted touching, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, sexual explicit photographing. Mental mistreatment is deliberately causing mental or emotional pain. Neglect occurs when someone, either through action or inaction, deprives a vulnerable adult of care necessary to maintain physical or mental health. Self-neglect occurs when a vulnerable adult fails to provide adequately for themselves. A competent person who decides to live their life in a manner which may threaten their safety or well-being does not come under this definition.