Abusers use a variety of methods to harm their victims, and abuse doesn’t just constitute sexual, physical, and/or emotional. Prevent and stop abuse from happening by learning to spot the different abuse tactics. A study conducted by The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL) resulted in the following lengthy list of abuse tactics used on elderly women:
Physical Abuse
– Hitting, choking, burning, pinching, throwing things, use of restraints, etc.
Sexual Abuse
– Rape or assault
– Forcing the elder to watch porn
Psychological Abuse
– Public humiliation,
– Deliberately trying to drive the elder crazy: figuratively and/or literally
Emotional Abuse
– Yelling, insulting, name-calling, degradation, placing blame on the elder
Targeting Vulnerabilities and Neglects
– Takes away or denies access to items or living necessities (food, heat, medication…)
– Refusing to provide the elder with transportation
– Ignores medical recommendations
– Refusing to help dress the elder or dressing the elder inappropriately
Denying Access to Spiritual & Traditional Events
Ridicule
– Disrespect
– Ignores elder’s values when making decisions
Using Family Members
– Misleads family members regarding their loved one’s situation
– Denying access to the elder or excluding family members from access to the elder
– Misleads the elder regarding his or her family
Isolation
– Takes away phone, mail, any communication device
– Controlling who, where, what, how, when
Abusing Privilege
– Speaks for, not on behalf, of the elder at medical and financial appointments
– Makes all of the major decisions
Financial Exploitation
Use of Threats
– Verbal and physical
The abuser can be anyone. Friend, family, caretaker, even a complete stranger. And while the list of abuse tactics was taken from a survey of elderly women who survived the abuse, abuse can happen to anyone – female, male, young, old, healthy, unhealthy, etc. If you or someone you know is being abused, or even if you only suspect abuse, get help.
Call 415-441-8669 or email info@evanslaw.com for a free and confidential consultation with one of our experienced elder abuse attorneys if you or someone you know is or may be a victim of elder abuse. Evans Law Firm, Inc. handles all types of elder abuse as well as insurance/banking/consumer fraud and personal injury cases.
