Family Violence Initiative

Elder Abuse is Wrong

About This Booklet

This booklet is for older adults who may be suffering from abuse by someone they trust—it could be a partner or spouse, a family member, a caregiver, a service provider or another individual. This kind of abuse of intimacy or trust is wrong. People who know an older adult whom they believe may be abused may also find this booklet helpful.

To the reader

If you—or anyone you know—is being abused, this booklet is a good place to start finding answers to your questions. It will also help you find more information about people or places you can contact for help.

Being abused by someone who is close to you is confusing. You may have trouble talking to other people about the abuse. You may feel afraid for yourself, for your children or grandchildren, or for the person who is abusing you.

Anyone—man or woman, adult or child—who is experiencing abuse or who is acting in a violent way is encouraged to get help. Someone will listen.

Disclaimer

Please note that the information in this publication is not a substitute for legal advice. To receive legal advice about your specific situation, you need to speak to a lawyer.