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COMMON FORMS
OF ABUSE |
| Many people mistakenly assume that only battered paople are abused. |
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"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."
Dr. Margaret Mead |
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| Gary A. Jones |
| When Gary Jones became sick with terminal cancer, his caregiver denied him visitation with his children. |
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Click on a state to begin. The current laws in that state will be displayed below. |
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Georgia
In the state of Georgia, abuse means the willful infliction of physical pain, physical injury, mental anguish, unreasonable confinement, or the willful deprivation of essential services to a disabled adult or elder person.
Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. Under Georgia law, abuse may be:
Physical Abuse: Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder; depriving them of a basic need. Physical abuse may include such acts of violence as striking (with or without an object), hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning. In addition, inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse: Sexual abuse is a form of physical abuse. It is defined as non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elder. Sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse. It includes unwanted touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, such as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing.
Emotional Abuse: Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of anguish, pain, or distress through words or actions. Emotional or psychological abuse includes verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment. In addition, treating an elder like an infant; isolating an elder from family, friends, or regular activities; giving an elder the "silent treatment;" and enforced social isolation are examples of emotional or psychological abuse.
Exploitation means the illegal or improper use of a disabled adult or elder person or that person's resources for another's profit or advantage.
Neglect means the absence or omission of essential services to the degree that it harms or threatens with harm the physical or emotional health of a disabled adult or elder person. Essential services are described as social, medical, psychiatric, or legal services necessary to safeguard the disabled adult's or elder person's rights and resources and to maintain the physical and mental well-being of such person. These services shall include, but not be limited to, the provision of medical care for physical and mental health needs, assistance in personal hygiene, food, clothing, adequately heated and ventilated shelter, and protection from health and safety hazards but shall not include the taking into physical custody of a disabled adult or elder person without that person's consent.
Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of Georgia:
http://www.atlantalegalaid.org/elderabuse.htm
http://www.ganet.state.ga.us/cgi-bin/pub/ocode/ocgsearch?docname=OCode/G/30/5/3
http://aging.dhr.georgia.gov/portal/site/DHR-DAS/menuitem.9e91405d0e424e248e738510da1010a0/?vgnextoid=018267b27edb0010VgnVCM100000bf01010aRCRD
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