Institutional abuse isn’t just about the actions of a single “bad apple” employee; it often involves broader failures within the organization that allowed the abuse to occur or continue. This can include:

Direct Abuse by Staff: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse perpetrated by employees, caregivers, or those in authority within the institution.
Failure to Protect: The institution failing to protect individuals in its care from abuse by other residents, students, or third parties.
Systemic Neglect: Inadequate staffing, poor training, lack of resources, or deficient policies leading to widespread neglect of basic needs (food, hygiene, medical care, safety).
Negligent Hiring and Supervision: Failing to conduct proper background checks on employees, hiring individuals with a known history of abusive behavior, or failing to adequately supervise staff.
Failure to Implement or Follow Safety Protocols: Ignoring established procedures designed to prevent abuse or ensure resident/student safety.
Covering Up Abuse: Actively concealing incidents of abuse, discouraging reporting, or retaliating against those who report.
Creating a Culture of Abuse or Tolerance: An environment where abusive behaviors are overlooked, minimized, or implicitly condoned.
Improper Use of Restraints or Seclusion.