Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can happen in different forms; physical, sexual, psychological, financial, neglect and self-neglect.
Listed below are the different types of abuse and warning signs you may encounter:
Physical Abuse
The infliction of physical pain or great bodily harm, which can include, but is not limited to; assault or battery, abduction, constraint, sexual abuse, isolation and abandonment.
Psychological Abuse
The infliction of mental anguish which can include, but is not limited to; threatening, humiliating, intimidating, and isolating behaviors.
Financial Abuse
The illegal or improper exploitation of funds or other resources. This may include theft of personal property, such as money or jewelry, misusing possessions or perpetrating scams. Victims may be subject to undue influence or more direct tactics when this abuse occurs.
Neglect
Self-Neglect
The failure of an elder or dependent adult to adequately take care of themselves and meet the demands of daily living to eat, pay bills, meet personal hygiene needs and/or take medication.
Neglect by Others
This is the refusal or failure to fulfill caretaking obligations. This includes abandonment or isolation; denial of food, shelter, clothing, medical assistance or personal needs; the withholding necessary medication or assistive devices. Neglect can be intentional or unintentional.
Did you Know?
While APS receives more than 6,000 reports of abuse each year, it continues to be one of the most underreported crimes, with only an estimated 1 in 7 cases reported, and:
- More than 50% are self-neglect
- More than 50% of dependent adult abuse involves physical and/or sexual abuse
- In cases with an outside perpetrator, more than 50% are forms of financial abuse