Elder abuse

mistreatment or neglect of an old-age adult

Elder abuse (also senior abuse) is a single or repeated act of abuse towards an elderly person. It can also be when a lack of good care causes harm or distress to an older person. It can be physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse or verbal abuse.[1]

Elder abuse happens when there is an "expectation of trust" by the older person toward their abuser.[2] Usually the abuser is someone the older person knows or with whom they have a relationship. This could be a spouse, partner or family member, a friend or neighbor. It could be a caregiver that the older person depends on for services. Many forms of elder abuse are recognized as types of domestic violence or family violence.

References change

  1. Monique I Sellas (Aug 6, 2013). "Elder Abuse". Medscape. Retrieved 9 May 2014.
  2. International Perspectives on Elder Abuse, ed. Amanda Phelan (Oxford; New York: Routledge, 2013), p. 7

Learn about senior abuse awareness and prevention with this infographic