Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person. This type of violence constitutes a violation of human rights and includes physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse; financial and material abuse; abandonment; neglect; and serious loss of dignity and respect.

World Health Organization, 2021 https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/elder-abuse

The battle against elder abuse requires community partners and government agencies to collaborate to prevent elder abuse through education and public policy that addresses any and all forms of elder abuse.

UCOA Policy Position:

UCOA vision is to eradicate all forms of elder abuse so all older adults can live their best lives securely and safely. UCOA supports and promotes initiatives that identify elder abuse, understand the pervasiveness of elder abuse in the community, support the reporting of abuse and hold individuals and organizations accountable for acts abuse.