The epidemiology of elder abuse

This chapter examines the descriptive epidemiology of elder abuse. After consideration of the conceptual issue of definitions in use, there is an examination of the different types of abuse, detailing the most commonly agreed forms: physical, psychological and emotional abuse, neglect, financial abuse, and sexual abuse. This is followed by an exploration of the prevalence of abuse and further to this there is an investigation of known risk factors in relation to elder abuse and neglect. Risk factors are examined within an ecological framework, i.e. considering factors at individual, relationship, community, and social levels. Although comparatively little is known at this point, there is also brief consideration of the issue of protective factors that may be pertinent in this field. The chapter concludes with summarizing comments including an emphasis on current gaps in knowledge and understanding in this nascent field.