Domestic Violence in Later Life: An Overview for Health Care Providers

Abstract

Abstract Elder abuse is a growing but often hidden problem in the United States. It is estimated that only one in five cases of elder abuse is reported. During the 10-year period between 1986 and 1996, reported cases of domestic elder abuse increased 150% with more than 450,000 older individuals abused or neglected in domestic settings annually. About 90% of elder abuse cases are perpetrated by people known to the victim. Two-thirds of these known perpetrators were adult children or spouses. This form of abuse is often referred to as domestic elder abuse or family violence in later life (National Center on Elder Abuse 1998a).