Elder abuse

Violence is when someone does something that hurts or makes another person feel bad. Senior citizens are more likely to experience violence than younger generations.

More likely to be subjected to violence.

Research shows that older people are more likely to experience violence than younger people.

One of the reasons is because older individuals often experience a great deal of social isolation. The isolation can be used against them, especially if the abuser is a caregiver or a family member. They might fear or are threatened that if they expose the abusers, they will be even more isolated.

Types of violence

General violence

• When someone hurts you, threatens you, harasses you, or humiliates you.
• When technology is used against you, it is often referred to as digital violence.

Financial abuse

• When someone defrauds you of your money, steals it, or misuses it.
• When someone pressures you on how you use your money.
• When the person who takes care of your finances does not provide you with necessities.
• When someone makes you sign documents that you do not understand.
• Read more about financial abuse.

Physical violence

• When someone physically hurts you. Examples are pinching, punching, holding you, kicking, hitting you or abusing your medication.
• Signs of physical abuse can be bruises, cuts, unexplained injuries, burns, and poor skin condition.
• Read more about physical abuse.

Emotional abuse

• Threats, for example of physical violence, restriction of access to medication and necessary aids or isolation.
• Humiliation.
• Accusations.
• Coercion and control.
• Isolation.
• Restrictions on socializing and interacting with others.
• Degrading speech and prejudice about your gender, sexual orientation, race, age, or anything else that you have no control over.
• Read more about emotional abuse.

Sexual abuse

• Groping.
• Sexual teasing or harassment.
• Rape. When someone makes you do something sexual that you do not want to do or cannot agree to because of a disability.
• Read more about sexual abuse.

Neglect

• When physical care or medication is not conducted properly.
• For example, when an elderly person is visibly malnourished, suffers from dehydration, is poorly dressed, or is not receiving care due to illness or injury.
• Read more about neglect.