Physical and Sexual Abuse 

Physical Abuse



Physical abuse is defined as the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment.

This may include but is not limited to such acts of violence as striking (with or without an object), hitting, beating, pushing, shoving, shaking, slapping, kicking, pinching, and burning. In addition, the inappropriate use of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse.


Signs and symptoms of physical abuse include but are not limited to:

•  bruises, black eyes, welts, lacerations, and rope marks;

•  bone fractures, broken bones, and skull fractures;

•  open wounds, cuts, punctures, untreated injuries in various stages of healing;

•  sprains, dislocations, and internal injuries/bleeding;

•  broken eyeglasses/frames, physical signs of being subjected to punishment, and signs of being restrained;

•  laboratory findings of medication overdose or under utilization of prescribed drugs;

•  an elder's report of being hit, slapped, kicked, or mistreated;

•  malnutrition, weight loss, or dehydration;

•  an elder's sudden change in behavior; and

•  the caregiver's refusal to allow visitors to see an elder alone.

Sexual Abuse

Sexual abuse is defined as non consensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person. Sexual contact with any person incapable of giving consent is also considered sexual abuse.

It includes but is not limited to unwanted touching, all types of sexual assault or battery, such as rape, sodomy, coerced nudity, and sexually explicit photographing.

Signs and symptoms of sexual abuse include but are not limited to:

•  bruises around the breasts or genital area;

•  unexplained venereal disease or genital infections;

•  unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding;

•  torn, stained, or bloody underclothing; and

• an elder's report of being sexually assaulted or raped.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse

Neglect, Self-Neglect, and Abandonment

Financial or Material Exploitation