You're not the only one who's been hurt. When most people think of abuse, they think of child abuse or domestic abuse that affects young women. However, elder abuse -- violent and malicious acts committed against women and men over 60 years of age -- is just as common. Over one million older Americans are abused annually. One reason you may not hear much about it is because most cases don't get reported. In fact, for every one case that does get reported, five others go unreported.
One of the best ways to protect yourself is to talk about it. Here is some information that should help you get a better understanding about what elder abuse is.
You might be surprised by some of the things that are considered to be elder abuse, and who are abusers. Many abusers are relatives or loved ones.
Types of Elder Abuse:
- Physical Abuse: using coercion or inflicting injury by punching, pushing, slapping, kicking, restraining, cutting, burning or using objects as weapons.
- Sexual Abuse: any type of touching, fondling or sexual activity, when forced or threatened and without consent.
- Emotional Abuse: verbal threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment; put-downs, name-calling and insults; playing mind games; isolation from friends and family.
- Neglect: intentionally failing to care for an elderly person who cannot care for him/herself without some assistance (i.e. withholding food, medicine, shelter, hygiene, physical assistance, etc.) or complete abandonment.
- Financial Exploitation: taking advantage of and misusing financial resources of an elderly person.
If you have any of these experiences, you have been abused. You don't deserve to be hurt, so take the time to talk to someone about it. Remember, you're not alone.
Adult Protective Services Fact Sheet