MFT-6113 v3 | Systemic Assessment and Treatment of
Elder Abuse 2025
- Course MFT 6113
- Subject Psychology
Department of Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT-6113 v3: Assessing and Treating Family Violence
Dr. Tarra Bates Duford
February 11, 2025
, 2
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment, harm, or exploitation of older adults, typically by
someone in a position of trust or authority. It can take various forms, including physical,
emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. Elder abuse is a
significant social and public health issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse is defined as "a single or
repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an
expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person" (WHO, 2020). It is
important to note that elder abuse can occur within various settings, including homes, long-
term care facilities, and community settings. The prevalence of elder abuse is difficult to
determine accurately due to underreporting and the hidden nature of the problem. However,
research suggests that elder abuse is a widespread issue. According to a systematic review
conducted by Dong et al. (2015), the prevalence of elder abuse ranges from 2% to 14% globally.
It is estimated that around 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse in community
settings (WHO,
2018).
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment, all of which can have
devastating consequences for older adults. Physical abuse involves the use of physical force that
results in harm or injury to older adults, such as hitting or restraining them. Emotional abuse
inflicts psychological pain and distress through verbal threats, insults, or isolation. Sexual abuse
refers to non-consensual sexual contact or activity with an older adult. Financial abuse involves
the unauthorized or improper use of an older adult's assets or funds for personal gain. Neglect
Elder Abuse 2025
- Course MFT 6113
- Subject Psychology
Department of Marriage and Family Therapy
MFT-6113 v3: Assessing and Treating Family Violence
Dr. Tarra Bates Duford
February 11, 2025
, 2
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment, harm, or exploitation of older adults, typically by
someone in a position of trust or authority. It can take various forms, including physical,
emotional, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect or abandonment. Elder abuse is a
significant social and public health issue that affects millions of older adults worldwide.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), elder abuse is defined as "a single or
repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an
expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person" (WHO, 2020). It is
important to note that elder abuse can occur within various settings, including homes, long-
term care facilities, and community settings. The prevalence of elder abuse is difficult to
determine accurately due to underreporting and the hidden nature of the problem. However,
research suggests that elder abuse is a widespread issue. According to a systematic review
conducted by Dong et al. (2015), the prevalence of elder abuse ranges from 2% to 14% globally.
It is estimated that around 1 in 6 older adults experience some form of abuse in community
settings (WHO,
2018).
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse encompasses various forms of mistreatment, all of which can have
devastating consequences for older adults. Physical abuse involves the use of physical force that
results in harm or injury to older adults, such as hitting or restraining them. Emotional abuse
inflicts psychological pain and distress through verbal threats, insults, or isolation. Sexual abuse
refers to non-consensual sexual contact or activity with an older adult. Financial abuse involves
the unauthorized or improper use of an older adult's assets or funds for personal gain. Neglect
