Many people mistakenly assume that only battered people are abused. However, emotional scars are just as serious as physical injuries.

Below you will find a list of the seven most common forms of abuse. Although this website provides fairly complete definitions for each form of abuse, the definitions provided are not representative of the definitions for abuse in all 50 states. Each of the 50 states defines abuse and the various forms of abuse differently. It's important to understand the specific elder abuse definitions and laws in your particular state. For example, in some states emotional abuse is only defined by threats of physical abuse.

Seven Common Forms of Abuse:

Physical abuse - Abuse where physical force is inflicted with the intention to cause harm in the form of injury, pain, impairment or any other physical suffering. Though this is not an exhaustive list, physical abuse can be inflicted through punching, slapping, pushing, pulling, tripping, strangling and exposure to extreme temperatures.

Psychological/Emotional abuse - Abuse where there is an imbalance of power and the dominant person uses that extra power to oppress the weaker person. When a family member, a caregiver

or other person behaves in a way that causes fear, mental anguish and emotional pain or distress, the behavior can be regarded as abusive. Emotional or psychological abuse can range from name-calling or giving the "silent treatment" to intimidating or threatening the individual. The abuser may remove personal items of importance to the victim, such as photos of family. Emotional and psychological abuse can include insults, threats, rejection, degradation, terror, verbal attacks and ridicule. It can also include treating the older person like a child or isolating the vulnerable adult from family, friends and regular activities – either by force, threats or through manipulation.

Neglect - The failure to perform necessary care to maintain a victim's physical, emotional or safety needs. This occurs when care is void or purposely withheld. Examples include not helping a disabled person get to a bathroom or to bathe. After any incontinent episode‚ urine and feces must be cleaned up almost immediately and the vulnerable adult should be washed to prevent skin burn. An abuser may be "extra helpful" when guests or nurses are present, but may be neglectful when no one is around to "impress." Investigate further if your elderly relative has restricted mobility‚ but there is no water pitcher and glass by the bedside. This is a sign that basic requests are being ignored. In all cases‚ the important point is not whether the neglect was intentional‚ but whether a loved one's health or safety has been compromised.

Sexual abuse - Any non-consensual sexual act that occurs through force, trickery or threats or when a person is unable to grant consent due to physical or mental constraints.

Financial exploitation - An abuser will use the victim's money or property for the abuser's own personal gain and advantage. The abuser will obtain control over the money or property through theft, fraud, influence or misuse of authority.

Abandonment - Abuse where a caregiver ceases to administer care or protection and leaves the victim helpless.

Self-neglect - Any action by an individual that jeopardizes the safety of that individual. Victims can self-inflict abuse through malnutrition, administering improper dosages of medication, lack of medical treatment, hazardous living conditions (including safety concerns of sanitation), inadequate clothing and homelessness.