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What is Elder Abuse?

Elder abuse is the infliction of physical, emotional, and/or psychological harm on an older, vulnerable adult at the hands of a family member, a non-family member in a trusting relationship, or a paid carer in an institution. Elder abuse can take the form of financial exploitation, intentional neglect of an older adult by the carer, or unintentional abuse due to ignorance of care issues.

Physical abuse can range from slapping or shoving to severe beatings and inappropriate restraint. Physical abuse can include hitting, beating, pushing, kicking, pinching, burning, or biting.

Emotional or psychological abuse can range from name-calling or giving the “silent treatment” to intimidating and threatening the individual. When a family member or a carer behaves in a way that causes fear, mental anguish, and emotional pain or distress, the behaviour can be regarded as abusive.

Financial exploitation can range from misuse of an older family member’s funds to embezzlement. Financial exploitation includes fraud, taking money under false pretences, forgery, forced property transfers, purchasing expensive items with the older person’s money without their knowledge or permission, or denying the older person access to his or her own funds or home. It also includes the improper use of legal guardianship arrangements, powers of attorney, or conservatorships.

Carer neglect can range from withholding appropriate attention to intentionally failing to meet the physical, social, or emotional needs of the older person. Neglect can include failure to provide food, water, clothing, medications, and assistance with the activities of daily living or help with personal hygiene.

Sexual abuse can range from sexual exhibition to rape. It can include inappropriate touching, photographing the older person in suggestive poses, forcing the person to look at pornography, forcing sexual contact with a third party, or any unwanted sexualised behaviour. It also includes rape, sodomy, or coerced nudity.