Subjective assessment
Features which may alert the professional to suspect abuse: *. Seeking shelter or protection
* Unexplained reaction towards particular individuals
* Unexplained reactions towards particular settings
* Frequent regular visits to the general practitioner,
A&E department or hospital admissions
* Frequent or irrational refusal to accept investigations or treatment for routine difficulties
e Unexplained changes in material circumstances
* Inconsistency of explanation or no explanation (East Berkshire Adult Protection Committee 2004).
It is difficult to cover all factors that may predispose a caring situation to turn abusive, but some key features that have been recognised are: