The Reality of Elder Abuse

Abstract

There are two primary sources for understanding the reality of elder abuse. The first is empirical and derived from scientific study of its nature and scope. The second is experiential and illustrated in the perspectives of clinicians who detect and treat it along with victims who suffer its infliction and consequences. Both sources of understanding are evidenced in this overview of elder abuse as a health and social problem for older Americans. In addition, the article outlines the history in recognizing elder abuse as a problem and in developing strategies to address it.