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What are Some Signs of Elder Abuse?
Physical abuse
- Bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations and rope or ligature marks
- Bone fractures, broken bones and skull fractures
- Open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries and injuries in various stages of healing
- Strains, dislocations and internal injuries or bleeding
- Broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to “punishment” or being restrained
- Laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs
- Caregiver’s or family member’s refusal to allow visitors to see the victim alone
- Victim’s sudden change of behavior/demeanor
- Victim’s self-report of being hit, slapped, kicked or mistreated
Sexual abuse
- Bruises around the breasts, genital and/or anal areas
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
- Torn, stained or bloody underclothing and/or bedding
- Victim’s self-report of being sexually battered or raped
Emotional/Psychological abuse
- Emotional upset or agitation, particularly in reference to certain people
- Extreme withdrawal and non-communication or non-responsiveness
- Victim’s self-report of being verbally or emotionally mistreated
Clinical behavioral indicators of abuse
- Presence of injuries that do not match the explanation given by victim or others
- Repeated “accidental” injuries
- Isolation
- Says or hints at being afraid
- Considers or has attempted suicide
- Has history of alcohol or drug abuse (including prescription drugs)
- Presents as “difficult” or uncooperative to discourage questioning by others
- Has vague, chronic, non-specific complaints
- Is unable to follow through with treatment plan or medical care despite the presence of a significant other in her life
- Misses appointments
- Delays seeking medical attention when needed
- Exhibits signs and symptoms of depression
- Exhibits evidence of effects of stress and trauma such as chronic pain and other somatic illnesses
- Has sudden changes in behavior
Source: Health America: Clinical Practice Recommendations Screening for Suspected Elder Abuse (2002)
Well-meaning professionals who assume that elder abuse is due to caregiver stress may make crucial errors that further isolate and endanger the victim. Responses that may endanger an older woman who is experiencing abuse include relying on the abuser’s account that the victim is “demented”, “incompetent”, “clumsy”, “crazy”, “sick”, etc. or by instructing the victim to leave if she feels she is unsafe. Domestic and sexual violence at any stage of life are criminal justice matters and must not be treated as anything less than serious crimes.
Source: Assessing for Abuse in Later Life: A Project of the
Wisconsin Coalition Against Domestic Violence |
For more information please see:
NCADV Abuse in Later Life Fact Sheet
Abuse in Later Life Wheel
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