[Defining abuse: a difficult and controversial task]

Area of Science:

• Social Sciences
• Psychology
• Criminology

Background:

• Defining abuse is complex and contested.
• Existing literature presents diverse understandings of abuse.
• A universally accepted definition remains elusive.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a comprehensive definition of abuse.
• To identify common characteristics of abusive situations.
• To outline a framework for addressing abuse.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and conceptual analysis.
• Identification of common themes in abuse definitions.
• Distinction between conscious/unconscious and individual/collective abuse.

Main Results:

• Common characteristics include victim vulnerability, trustful relationships, and power imbalances.
• Abuse can be categorized by conscious/unconscious actions and individual/collective practices.
• Four essential steps for addressing abuse: recognizing, reporting, responding, and questioning.

Conclusions:

• A nuanced understanding of abuse requires considering victim, perpetrator, and relationship dynamics.
• Distinctions aid in clarifying abuse types but do not simplify resolution.
• A four-step approach provides a practical framework for intervention in abuse cases.