ABSTRACT
Elder abuse is any action that, either by commission or omission, harms an elderly person. Elderly with lower incomes are more likely to be victims of violence. Elder abuse and neglect are complex problems that have evaded clear definition. Experts vary greatly on what exactly constitutes elder abuse. The problem of elder abuse is becoming better understood. Early publicity about elder abuse centered around elderly residents of nursing homes in which there were incidents of abuse by employees. The primary difference between elder abuse and other forms of violence against the elderly is that elder abuse involves a perpetrator who is in a relationship or position of trust with the victim. Elder abuse victims come from every socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, or religious background. Commonly, individuals who become victims of elder abuse are physically or psychologically impaired, which increases their dependence on other people.
