Elder Abuse Policy, Past, Present, and Future Trends

Abstract

The history of policy related to elder abuse spans more than 50 years and reflects an evolving understanding by policymakers and the general public that rather than being a private sphere, family matter problem, elder abuse is a public sphere problem. In fact, it is an issue of national import, touching such sectors as social services, healthcare, law enforcement, and banking. As a social justice issue, societal recognition of and action concerning elder abuse has been both protracted and circuitous. Although elder abuse dates back to the beginning of human history, the problem has gained traction relatively recently. Given the attention paid to child abuse and intimate partner violence against women, the historical lack of political will to take action to prevent and punish elder abuse is surprising (Teaster et al. 2010).