Elder abuse refers to any action or inaction that puts the safety or well-being of an elderly person at risk. The abuse is often carried out by a family member or caregiver whom the victim trusts.
The reasons for elder abuse are often complex and can include caregiver stress or a history of strained relationships within the family.
An elderly person who is:
Elder adult abuse occurs when the elderly experiences:
Elder abuse can result in serious and permanent physical and psychological damage, and even death.
Other effects may include:
Witnessing abuse of the elderly in the family can cause post-traumatic stress in children or result in violent behaviour being normalised and perpetuated in the future.
Victims of elder abuse may not report the violence for any of the following reasons:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) takes place on 15 June every year and has been recognised by the United Nations General Assembly since 2011.
For more information on the types of elder abuse and where to seek help, please download and share the infographic below:
Contact the National Anti-Violence and Sexual Harassment Helpline (NAVH) or the police | Seek help from a Family Service Centre, Protection Specialist Centre, Family Justice Courts, medical professional or temporary shelter | Find out how to support someone who is abused or safely interrupt the abuse |