If I mention the word ‘Abuse,’ what springs to mind?
I am willing to wager that ‘Elder Abuse’ was not your first thought, which is hardly surprising considering it remains largely unreported in the media.
In 1993, Action on Elder Abuse U.K produced the following definition:
'A single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person'.
In most cases, those who commit the abuse will be exploiting a special relationship. They will generally be held in a position of trust by the victim, whether via family connections, friendship or as a paid or volunteer carer.
1. A partner, child or other relative.
2. A friend or neighbour
3. A carer (paid or volunteer)
4. A health care worker, social worker or other professional
5. A person for whom they are the main carer.
There are five main areas where abuse may occur.
For further information go to: www.elderabuse.org.uk
Many victims of Elder Abuse have no one to act as their advocate, leaving them open to repeated incidents over a prolonged period.
However, as the following post indicates, even those who have family, friends or neighbours who actively work on behalf of an Elder person, even then they are just as prone to repeated attacks by those they should be able to trust.
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