Definitions
What is Elder Abuse?
World Health Organisation (WHO): Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, described ‘elder abuse’ asa single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person’. Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
Australian Law Reform Commission Issues Paper – What is Elder Abuse
Other Jurisdiction Definitions
USA: Elder abuse is an intentional act, or failure to act, by a caregiver or another person in a relationship involving an expectation of trust that causes or creates a risk of harm to an older adult. (An older adult is defined as someone age 60 or older.) cdc.gov/violenceprevention/elderabuse/definitions.htmlOther Definitions – See also our page Abuse of Older People – Definitions and Research
Australian National Plan
Commonwealth Attorney-General National Plan on Elder AbuseQld Law Handbook Resources
10 Tips to protect yourselfSharing a home with friends or family
Financial gifts and loans
Raising money from the family home
Common financial mistakes for older people
Preventing violence
