Person-Centred Approach: Reducing Abuse & Promoting Well-being

How Person-Centred Care Prevents Abuse

A person-centred approach—centering the individual's voice, choices, and strengths—creates a protective environment against abuse.

Three Protective Mechanisms

1. Trust & Respect: Active listening and validation build a relationship where the person feels safe to speak up. Abuse thrives in silence; trust breaks it.
2. Empowerment & Autonomy: Supporting self-determination (choices about care, routines, relationships) counters the powerlessness that abusers exploit. Control over one's life is a shield.
3. Strengths-Based Focus: Highlighting abilities and worth builds self-esteem. People with high self-worth are less likely to tolerate mistreatment and more likely to report it.

Practical Application

• Involve the person in all decisions affecting them.
• Use their life history to understand behaviors.
• Train staff to recognize and report concerns.
• Create cultures where speaking up is normal and safe.

Person-centred care is not just a philosophy—it's a safeguard.