Elder abuse is not just physical abuse. Other forms of abuse include psychological, financial, sexual and neglect. Approximately 8% – 10% of seniors experience some form of elder abuse each year in Canada.
Elder Abuse is defined by the World Health Organization as “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.”
Elder abuse often occurs when there is an imbalance of control. The abuser either limits or takes control over the rights and freedoms of the senior. The abuse/violence is used to intimidate, humiliate, coerce, frighten or simply to make the senior feel powerless.
