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Elder abuse identifies either single or multiple incidents, where a person of trust may harm an older person. Elder abuse can exist in various forms such as psychological (social), emotional, physical, financial, and sexual. Moreover, it can also be due to unintentional or intentional neglect. The focus of these incidents is not on the perpetrator’s intentions, but rather on the effects of the victim. However, in most cases, the abuse is deliberate.
Physical abuse
The abuser harms and injures the victim physically, either by hitting, pushing, restraints, or use of other methods.
Moreover, some abusers use chemical restraints such as alcohol, medications, and more. Signs of physical abuse may include bruises, cuts, burns, severe unexplained injuries such as broken bones, fear, restricted mobility, and more.
Emotional abuse
The abuser uses threats to humiliate and harass the victim to evoke feelings of helplessness and shame. It is usually combined with other types of abuse
Social Abuse
The abuser restricts access and forces the victim to isolate from their friends and family.
This allows the abuser to stop the victim from seeking help. As a result, the victim may feel anxious while grieving over their lack of social contact and may withdraw completely.
Financial abuse
The abuser uses the victim’s money and assets, illegally, or forces them to unwillingly sign relevant documents or modify wills. Signs may include large withdrawals at the bank, or lack of finances for basic necessities such as food, transport, and clothing
Neglect
The abuser fails to provide the victim with basic necessities, including but not limited to, food, clean water, medical care, clean clothes, safe and hygienic environment, etc.
If you notice an older person has lost weight abruptly, has worse and unexplained health problems, is living in an unsafe or unhygienic environment, they may be experiencing negligence.
Sexual abuse
The abuser harms and injures the victim physically, either by hitting, pushing, restraints, or use of other methods.
Moreover, some abusers use chemical restraints such as alcohol, medications, and more. Signs of physical abuse may include bruises, cuts, burns, severe unexplained injuries such as broken bones, fear, restricted mobility, and more.
Sometimes, the abuser is unable to cope with the victim’s needs, which frustrates them and causes them to abuse their victims. The use of alcohol and drugs may also further instigate the situation.
As an older person, the victim is more vulnerable, which may change their relationships within the family.
When dealing with an older person who has been abused, it is crucial to take care of their safety, social relationships, and control over their life. Older people who are abused may find it harder to seek help or talk about it.
It usually happens due to the shame or guilt they feel. Moreover, if it’s a family member, they may feel the need to protect them. Sometimes, a familiar pattern of family violence becomes elder abuse.
If you suspect an abusive situation around you, understand the sensitivity of the situation and ensure that your actions don’t worsen the situation. However, don’t ignore the severity of the situation and if there is an immediate risk to the victim, contact emergency services.
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Elder Abuse Lawyers
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