Abuse

Abuse is the improper usage or treatment of a thing, often to unfairly or improperly gain benefit. Abuse can come in many forms, such as: physical or verbal maltreatment, injury, assault, violation, rape, unjust practices, crimes, or other types of aggression. To these descriptions, one can also add the Kantian notion of the wrongness of using another human being as means to an end rather than as ends in themselves. Some sources describe abuse as "socially constructed", which means there may be more or less recognition of the suffering of a victim at different times and societies. Abuse of authority Abuse of authority includes harassment, interference, pressure, and inappropriate requests or favors. See: Necrophilia Necrophilia involves possessing a physical attraction to dead bodies that may led to acting upon sexual urges. As corpses are dead and cannot give consent, any manipulation, removal of parts, mutilation, or sexual acts performed on a dead body is considered abuse. Abuse of discretion An abuse of discretion is a failure to take into proper consideration, the facts and laws relating to a particular matter; an arbitrary or unreasonable departure from precedent and settled judicial custom. Competition law Market dominance by companies is regulated by public and private enforcement of competition law, also known as antitrust or anti-monopoly law. Indulgence#Late Medieval usage In the Catholic Church, an indulgence is a way to reduce punishment for sin, often by prayer, pilgrimage or good works. In the Middle Ages, some Church officials demanded money in exchange both for forgiveness of sins and for other rewards such as future salvation. Breach of confidenceCopyright infringementInsider trading and Plagiarism Abuse of information typically involves a breach of confidence or plagiarism, or extending the confidence of information beyond those authorised. In the financial world, Insider trading can also be considered a misuse of internal information that gives an unfair advantage in investment.