WORLD: What Is Elder Abuse?

What is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. It is generally divided into the following categories: Physical abuse is physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It includes assault, battery, and inappropriate restraint. Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older person. Domestic violence is an escalating pattern of violence by an intimate partner where the violence is used to exercise power and control. Psychological abuse is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or other verbal or nonverbal conduct. Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an older person's funds, property, or resources. Neglect is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her care giving responsibilities. Self-neglect is failure to provide for one's own essential needs. How big a problem is it? Although estimates vary, it is generally believed that 4-6% of the elderly are abused. How serious a problem is it? The personal losses associated with abuse can be devastating and include the loss of independence, homes, life savings, health, dignity, and security. Victims of abuse have been shown to have shorter expectancies than non-abused older people. Click here to visit the site of National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, Washington DC, USA