Elder Abuse is any action or lack of action that causes harm to an older adult (55+years).

Elder Abuse has many forms:

Withholding pension cheques, compelling a person to sell their home or possessions, to sign over control of their assets or to change their will.

Any violence to an older adult causing bodily harm or distress, like pushing, shaking, hitting, pulling hair, tying to the bed or chair, confining to, or isolating, in an area.

Sexual behaviour directed towards an older adult without that person's full knowledge and consent. Unwanted sexual touching or fondling.

Depriving a person of a proper diet, medical attention, personal care, safe surroundings, or proper clothing.

Failure of older adults to provide themselves with adequate food, shelter or medical care.

Treating older adults like children, name calling, humiliating, scolding or threatening causing emotional anguish and denying them access to their friends or families.

Abuse can happen anywhere. Elder abuse occurs within all economic, social and cultural groups. Elder abuse may be part of family violence.

Elder abuse is the least reported form of domestic violence.