Neglect - A passive form of abuse in which the physical or emotional needs of a dependent are disregarded or ignored by the person responsible for them.
Description:
Neglect is a form of abuse where inaction rather than direct action leads to the harm of an individual or object.
As is the case with other types of abuse, among certain personality disorder types, neglect may be intermittent, sporadic or inconsistent and in-between times may be filled with periods of adequate care or sometimes an overwhelming or overcompensating showering with gifts, attention or favors.
Some neglect statistics are included below.
Child Neglect
Child neglect is by far the most common form of child abuse recorded in the US, accounting for 71% of reported cases in 2008:
U. S. Administration on Aging, National estimates of the incidence of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of persons 60 years and older, 1996 are as follows:
Failure to provide education, maintenance or means of financial support.
Common victims of neglect include:
Children
The Elderly
Victims of Mental Illness
Physically Disabled Individuals
Dependent Spouses and Partners
Property deemed important to these victims
Pets and Livestock
What it feels like:
Neglect toward a dependent individual will challenge the self-worth of that individual. They may blame themselves for the treatment they are experiencing, may feel worthless or guilty and try to win the favor of their caregiver through performance, bargaining, favors.
Individuals who are exposed to episodes of neglect may begin to go through stages of grief as they come to terms with the loss of care they expect.
Long term or sustained, sporadic neglect of an individual will often lead to that person feeling trapped like a prisoner and may result in symptoms of Complex PTSD.
Learning to Cope:
Neglect is a serious and often illegal form of abuse. The victim is often a dependent who needs outside help to confront or stop the abuse.
What NOT to Do:
If you are being neglected.
Don't try to fix it by yourself.
Don't ignore it or write it off as minor or unimportant.
Don't stay in an abusive environment wherever possible.
Don't appeal to the abusers logic or reason. A pattern of neglect is a symptom of a mental disorder and is not the action of a person who is thinking logically all the time.
What To Do:
Accept that your body and your emotions are important.
Get out of a situation of neglect as quickly and safely as possible.
Get help from a responsible, competent friend, relative, co-worker, neighbor or acquaintance.
Call the police if necessary.
Report situations of neglect that you witness to competent local authorities.
Get emotional support. Talk to somebody who understands.
If you suspect you may have a family member or loved-one who suffers from a personality disorder, we encourage you to learn all you can and surround yourself with support as you learn how to cope.
Five years ago, a photographer, an engineer, a writer, an office manager, a grandmother, a graphic artist, a law student, a husband, a librarian, and a stained-glass artisan came together to connect a diverse, isolated population in search of information, support, and growth as they strive to cope with a family members, spouses or partners who suffer from a personality disorder. Since its launch on November 1, 2007, Out Of The FOG has grown from a fledgling discussion group with 10 participants, to a vibrant community of over 4000 registered members world-wide, with new members joining every day.
On August 31 2012, the Out of the FOG Support Forum crossed two significant milestones - 100,000 member posts and 10,000 topics. Thanks to all who participate and contribute to the OOTF support board, which is a unique source of support to non-personality-disordered individuals all over the world.
