Elder abuse - Definition and Overview

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.

There are five main types:

• Physical: e.g. hitting, slapping, burning, pushing, restraining or giving too much medication or the wrong medication
• Psychological: e.g. shouting, swearing, frightening, blaming, ignoring or humiliating a person
• Financial: e.g. illegal or unauthorised use of a person’s property, money, pension book or other valuables
• Sexual: e.g. forcing a person to take part in any sexual activity without his or her consent
• Neglect: e.g. where a person is deprived of food, heat, clothing or comfort or essential medication

Perpetrators of this type of abuse can include anyone in a position of control or authority, whether that is within a family or institutional situation. This can include a partner, child or other relation, a friend or neighbour, volunteer worker, or a health, social care or other worker.

External link

• Action on Elder Abuse website (http://www.elderabuse.org.uk/)
• Helpguide: Elder Abuse Types, Signs, Symptoms, Causes, and Help (http://www.helpguide.org/mental/elder_abuse_physical_emotional_sexual_neglect.htm)