What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse can be defined as psychological or physical violence towards the elderly, exploitation of the elderly, violation of the rights of elders or abuse and/or neglect of elders.

Humiliation, infantilizing, bullying, deliberately omitting to provide essential care, extortion by a loved one, or explicit pressure about an inheritance are all forms of elder abuse, and represent only a few examples of the diverse forms of elder abuse.

Elder abuse is a broad and complex concept that affects the physical, psychological, sexual or financial integrity of elders. It is also an issue that carries social, legal and public health implications.

We can therefore define elder abuse in many ways. The definition used by the Government of Quebec is that of the Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, from the World Health Organization in 2002: We can therefore define elder abuse in many ways. The definition used by the Government of Quebec is that of the Toronto Declaration on the Global Prevention of Elder Abuse, from the World Health Organization in 2002:

" There is abuse when 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.¹"