What Is It?
Elder abuse is destructive behavior which is directed toward an older adult, occurs within the context of a relationship denoting trust, and is of sufficient intensity and/or frequency to produce the harmful physical, psychological, social and/or financial effects of unnecessary suffering, injury, pain, loss or violation of human rights and decreased quality of life for the older adult.
-Hudson, M.P., "Elder Mistreatment..." Journal of Elder Abuse and Neglect 1991,3(2)
Elder Abuse may include acts such as:
PHYSICAL... beating, slapping, burning, cutting, shaking, spitting, applying inappropriate physical contact, abandoning, under or over medicating, denying food or water, delaying medical treatment.
SEXUAL... sexual contact without consent or forcing consent to sexual acts.
PSYCHOLOGICAL... threatening, harassing, humiliating, demeaning, calling names, isolating, ignoring, frightening, intimidating, infantilizing, destroying property.
FINANCIAL... illegal or unethical use of funds or assets, theft, embezzlement, misuse of property, extortion, fraud, failure to support.
NEGLECT... intentional or unintentional failure to provide basic needs including food, water, hygiene, sensory stimulation.
VIOLATION OF RIGHTS... denial of privacy, a clean, safe living environment, personal liberty, free speech, religious practice, voting and citizenship rights, ability to complain or seek redress for grievances, the removal of property without due process of law, forced labor.
Domestic Violence affects everyone. More than 85% of reported incidents of domestic violence are perpetrated against women.
Therefore, our pages refer to women when discussing domestic violence and sexual assault.
