Abuse and Signs of Abuse
Statutory definition: AS 47.24.900 (2 A,B)
"The willful, intentional, or reckless, non-accidental and non- therapeutic infliction of physical pain, injury, or mental distress."
Some common signs of abuse are:
- Verbal assaults, intimidation or threats
- Unexplained bruises or skin tears
- Unjustified physical or chemical restraints
- Unexplained stained, torn or bloody underwear; bruises or bleeding, pain or itching in genital or anal areas
- Stalking
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
When determining if abuse has occurred, it is important to keep this definition in mind. What one individual describes as abuse, another person may define as a matter of disrespect. For example, recent research has shown that Alaska Native Elders may refer to an abusive action as “disrespect” or “mistreatment.” Different people may use a different word that means abuse. This could be true for anyone with which you are working. So, it is important to keep the legal definition in mind.