Introduction

De-professionalisation as defined by abuse of power implies a discrediting or deprivation of professional status, resulting in a weakening of respect or tendency away from a position of strength or equal rights. Similarly, the concept may be defined through a perception of low productivity, where low economic value becomes associated with low status. In both cases a person's work situation may become vulnerable and subordinate, and professional identity scapegoated (Demailly, 2003; Kuhlmann and Saks, 2008). Here the context might be abuse of power through incidents of physical and verbal abuse, or alternatively may involve an act of sexual abuse and invasion of personal privacy. In the case of the former, examples include such as those that have taken place in care homes or within institutional contexts. It is assumed that different dimensions, for example the physical environment, lack of client privacy, isolation and loss of occupation, may have an impact on the power differentials between individuals involved. However, the characteristics of that relationship that are rooted in social inequality and power imbalances have gained far less attention (Repper and Perkins, 2009). Institutional abuse can be defined as the maltreatment of a person – often children or older adults – by a system of power. This can range from acts similar to home-based child abuse, such as neglect, physical and sexual abuse, to the effects of ‘helping’ interventions working below acceptable service standards or relying on harsh or unfair ways to modify behaviour (Powers et al, 1990). De-professionalisation defined as working below acceptable standards may include failing to fulfil objectives set by the organisation, for example ‘minding’ patients instead of providing care, nurturing or treatment.

Definitions and terms of reference

There are several definitions for professional abuse, and their distinctions are usually pronounced according to professional fields. One of the general descriptions, however, that sought to bridge the variations was put forward by the National Council of Psychotherapists, which explained professional abuse as a violation of an organisation's code of ethics (O’Sullivan, 2018). Some sources refer to this as standards of behaviour, which include the maintenance of professional boundaries and the treatment of people with respect and dignity (Mind, 2017).