Definition:
Systemic abuse refers to harm that arises not from isolated misconduct, but from the normal operation of systems, institutions, or policies that consistently disadvantage or damage certain groups.
Usage Context:
Used in discussions of welfare systems, policing, healthcare, education, workplaces, and bureaucratic structures where harm is patterned and repeatable.
Critical Note:
Systemic abuse is often denied because no single actor appears malicious. By dispersing responsibility across procedures and roles, institutions can perpetuate harm while framing outcomes as accidental, inevitable, or policy-compliant.