Title: Signs of elder abuse - Online Elder Abuse Tool Kit
Headings: Signs of elder abuse
Signs of elder abuse
What are the signs of elder abuse?
How can I tell if someone has been abused?
What are the signs that may indicate elder abuse ?
Emotional (or psychological) abuse
Examples of emotional (or psychological) abuse include:
Signs of emotional (or psychological) abuse include:
Neglect
Examples of neglect include:
Signs of neglect include:
Financial abuse
Examples of financial abuse include:
Signs of financial abuse include:
Physical abuse
Examples of physical abuse include:
Signs of physical abuse include:
Social abuse
Examples of social abuse include:
Signs of social abuse include:
Sexual abuse
Examples of sexual abuse include:
Signs of sexual abuse include:
What are the risk factors for elder abuse?
Circumstances that may increase the chance of abuse
More Information
Acknowledgment

Content: non-consensual sexual contact, language or behavior
inappropriate touching
sexual assault
rough or inappropriate cleaning or treatment of an older person’s genital area
viewing sexually explicit material or making sexually explicit phone calls in the presence of an older person without their consent
Signs of sexual abuse include: unexplained sexually transmitted disease
recent incontinence (bladder or bowel)
internal injuries
bruises, bite marks, pain, burn marks
trauma including bleeding around genitals, chest, rectum or mouth
torn or bloody underclothing or bedding
anxiety when near, or contact suggested with the abuser
What are the risk factors for elder abuse? The complex dynamics in which abuse occurs makes it difficult to determine or identify all factors associated with an increased risk of abuse, however being aware of the risk factors can help you to identify potential elder abuse situations. Below are a range of circumstances that increase the chance of abuse. The greater number of these factors that influence the situation, the greater the risk of abuse. Combinations of these factors may indicate a need for additional support and services to reduce the risk of abuse. Remember, an older person who experiences none of these risk factors may actually experience elder abuse: Circumstances that may increase the chance of abuse
dependence
family conflict or dysfunction
family violence
isolation
regional and remote communities
stress in care relationships
mature age children or dependents with a disability or health issues
mental illness and dementia
poor literacy and/or awareness of rights
‘Age’ itself is also risk factor. Ageism and attitudes to aging/older people can place people at risk by causing actual abuse or other risk factors to be overlooked, dismissed or minimised. See ‘What is risk assessment’ [link] for more information on assessing someone’s risk.