Elder abuse: A hidden epidemic
The abuse of adults by their children, caretakers, or other trusted individuals is horrific and damaging. It also is increasing.
By Michael Yudell
The abuse of adults by their children, caretakers, or other trusted individuals, known commonly as elder abuse, is horrific and damaging. It can come in many forms — physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment — and affects both men and women.
Cases from around the country the past few years highlight a growing and underreported problem.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse at the U.S. Administration on Aging, this is a growing problem that remains poorly understood. Some studies have estimated that as much as 5 percent of elderly Americans have been victimized. Elderly people who are socially isolated and mentally impaired are at greater risk, but more research is needed to improve our understanding of this complex problem.
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