What is Elder Abuse?

This Compass factsheet explains what elder abuse is and the types of abuse that people may experience. It includes a brief description on each type along with some common warning signs that you or another older person is being abused.

An older person has the right to respect, dignity, independence, care and self-fulfilment. Unfortunately, older people can be mistreated, hurt or abused in many forms:

  • you can be abused financially, emotionally, psychologically, physically, sexually,or neglected. The abuse can often be a combination of these different types of abuse

  • it can be intentional or unintentional

  • you can be mistreated, hurt or abused once, or several times

  • it can be carried out by someone you know, such as a family member, friend, professional, or paid caregiver