Why does elder abuse commonly occur in the community

Elder abuse is a serious problem in the United States. The available information is an underestimate of the problem because the number of nonfatal injuries is limited to older adults who are treated in emergency departments.

Additionally, many cases are not reported because elders are afraid or unable to tell police, friends, or family about the violence. Victims have to decide whether to tell someone they are being hurt or continue being abused by someone they depend upon or care for deeply. Elder abuse is common. Abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by about 1 in 10 people aged 60 and older who live at home.

From to , more than , older adults were treated in the emergency department for nonfatal assaults and over 19, homicides occurred. Some groups have higher rates of abuse than others.

Compared with women, men had higher rates of both nonfatal assaults and homicides. Overall and firearm-specific older adult homicide rates increased between and Elder abuse can have several physical and emotional effects on an older adult.

Victims are fearful and anxious. They may have problems with trust and be wary of others. Many victims suffer physical injuries. Some are minor, like cuts, scratches, bruises, and welts.

Others are more serious and can cause lasting disabilities. Elder abuse is a form of family violence, and it is unacceptable. If you think someone you know is showing signs of elder abuse and you are in need of advice, you can call Seniors Rights Victoria on for free, confidential information, support and assistance. If you are a carer and you need support, contact Carers Australia Victoria on They can help you find the practical, financial and emotional support you need.

Elder abuse can affect people from all cultural backgrounds. While there is no evidence to suggest that there is a higher prevalence of elder abuse in culturally and linguistically diverse CALD communities, it may be more hidden due to shame and stigma, added language barriers, or lack of awareness about elder abuse and the options available to people experiencing it.

The Ethnic Communities Council of Victoria has produced a short film about elder abuse, ' Within my Walls ' — available in several community languages, to spread awareness of elder abuse to people in CALD communities. This page has been produced in consultation with and approved by:. A broad range of services is available to support your health and wellbeing as you age. There are support services to for both carers, and those being cared for.

Services include parent education to maternal and child healthcare, child care, crisis support, child protection, family violence and relationship services. Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website. Skip to main content. In some families, the members have a way of relating to each other that is generally hostile and non-nurturing. The adult children may have been abused by their parents, and having learned to interact in such a manner, carry it on into the next generation.

Or there may be some unresolved family conflicts which foster abuse. The family may have a history of wife abuse which carries on into old age. Or in some cases, the roles may become reversed if the former abusing partner becomes incapacitated and his wife seizes the opportunity to retaliate. Conversely, some persons who abuse are in some way dependent on the persons they are abusing. Or other people have expressed concern with your behavior or the tension between the two of you?

Or maybe you simply feel emotionally disconnected or overwhelmed by the daily needs of the elderly person in your care? Take immediate steps to relieve stress and burnout. Stress is a major contributor to elder abuse and neglect. You can help reduce your stress levels by regularly practicing stress-relieving techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. Request help from friends, relatives, or local respite care agencies or find an adult daycare program.

Every caregiver needs to take regular breaks from the stress of caring for an elder and to attend to their own needs, if only for a couple of hours. Learn techniques for getting your anger under control. Take care of yourself. If you are not getting enough rest , you are much more likely to succumb to anger. Eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and take care of your own medical needs. Seek help for depression. Family caregivers are especially at risk for depression, but there are plenty of things you can do to boost your mood and outlook and overcome the problem.

Find a support group for caregivers of the elderly. Sharing your concerns and experiences with others facing the same challenges can help relieve the isolation you may be feeling as a caregiver. It can also be a great place to gain valuable tips and insight into caring for an elder. Get help for any substance abuse issues. Get professional help. Call and visit as often as you can, helping the elder to see you as a trusted confidante.

Offer to stay with the elder so the caregiver can have a break —on a regular basis, if possible. Watch for financial abuse by asking the elder if you can check their bank accounts and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions.

If you are an elder who is being abused, neglected, or exploited , tell at least one person. Tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member whom you trust. Or call one of the helplines listed below. And if you see future incidences of abuse, continue to call and report them.

Each elder abuse report is a snapshot of what is taking place.