Elder Abuse

• Elder abuse is any act or failure to act by a person in a relationship of trust that results in harm or distress to an older person. Elder abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional, financial, or neglectful.



• Physical abuse is the intentional use of physical force that results in or has the potential to result in physical injury to an older person. Examples of physical abuse are hitting; kicking; punching; slapping; shaking; pushing; pulling; dragging; burning; biting; choking; poisoning; using weapons.

• Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact or activity without consent or under coercion. Examples of sexual abuse are fondling; oral sex; anal sex; vaginal sex; penetration with objects; exposure to pornography; prostitution; trafficking.

• Emotional abuse is the intentional infliction of mental pain or anguish or distress on an older person. Examples of emotional abuse are verbal insults; threats; humiliation; intimidation; isolation; ignoring; blaming; manipulating; controlling; withholding affection; denying emotional responsiveness.

• Financial abuse is the illegal or improper or unauthorized use or exploitation or mismanagement of an older person’s money or property or assets or benefits. Examples of financial abuse are stealing; forging; coercing; deceiving; undue influencing; withholding; misappropriating; overcharging; fraud; scam.

• Neglect is the failure to provide for an older person’s basic physical or emotional or social or medical needs. Examples of neglect are inadequate food or clothing or shelter or hygiene or supervision or protection or stimulation or affection or health care.