Senior Abuse

Abuse of Elderly Persons includes any act or omission which jeopardizes or results in harm to the health or welfare of an older individual, part of an ongoing pattern of power and control by someone with whom there is a trusting relationship.

It is one of the best kept secrets in modern society. Sometimes, abuse can be the end result of the caregiver being stressed-out.

Victims and abusers come from all socio-economic, religious, geographic, and cultural backgrounds.

Abusers are:

• Spouses
• Adult children
• Professionals
• Friends

Abusers are also often dependent on the victim through alcoholism, drug dependency, psychological problems, and unemployment.

 

Warning

As with other forms of abuse, the pressure on the victim escalates when she/he seeks to make change through disclosure or attempts to get help.

 

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