Action on Elder Abuse – fighting against adult abuse

Information, advice and support to victims and others who are concerned about or have witnessed abuse.

A major point to remember – whether you are personally coping with abuse or whether you are concerned about the abuse of another – is that you are not alone. Abusers very often exploit the fact that someone may be (or feel) isolated. They can encourage, emphasise or create dependency in someone in order to exploit that feeling to their own advantage, and they can ridicule or dismiss your suspicions as a means of stopping you investigating. And, very often, they will rely on someone not disclosing, or the natural disbelief that many people hold when considering elder abuse, in order to keep on abusing.

It is important therefore to protect yourself if you are an older person, and sometimes that can be very simple. It is also important that neighbours, friends, families and practitioners are alert to the possibility of abuse – and are therefore ready to act on concerns or suspicions.

Too often abuse has continued because people spotted something that felt wrong, but took no action as they doubted their own concerns. And sometimes the abuse has then continued for years longer. Being alert to the possibility of abuse is sensible, without needlessly seeing it everywhere. Being prepared to act is prudent.

People can be abused in many different ways, there are five common types of abuse: physical, psychological, financial, sexual abuse and neglect. Often these abuses are also crimes.