Essay On Elder Abuse
According to the American Psychological Association, there are four million victims of elder abuse each year (APA Article). Elder abuse is defined as any form of mistreatment resulting in harm or loss inflicted on any older person age 65 or above (google definition and cite source). The different types of elder abuse include sexual, physical, financial, verbal, psychological, or emotional, neglect, and financial exploitation. Regardless of the type of elder abuse one experiences, it jeopardizes any victim’s quality of life as it causes a decline in functional status, poor self-rated health and quality of self-care, psychological distress and dependency (CITE). Elder abuse is considered a complex trauma because it involves repetitive or prolonged
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Elder abuse is considered an assaultive offense when the allegations involve neglectful behavior towards an elder. When abuse is based solely on neglect, or omission, these offenses result in felony charges on the lower end; this results in a jail sentence of up to three years. When elder abuse is intentional, abusers are given mid-range felony charges which can result in up to a twenty year jail sentence. Following the investigation of elder abuse cases, the severity of each case is determined. Lower punishment is given to those who inflict abuse that is less severe upon the elder; serious injuries result in higher level charges and punishment. In some instances, elderly endangerment is reported. When these types of situations occur, abusers are charged with a misdemeanor. In other instances, charges may overlap with other offenses. When this is the case, many states charge defendants with each charge that applies to them. Another consequence for elder abusers is revocation of care licenses. If an individual is accused of elder abuse, but possesses a license that permits them to care for other human beings, their license will be revoked. Lastly, if the abuser is promised a gift from the victim, such as an inheritance, it will no longer be available to them. Although some of these consequences are intense, people still decide to abuse those of the elderly population so they deserve the
Elder abuse is considered an assaultive offense when the allegations involve neglectful behavior towards an elder. When abuse is based solely on neglect, or omission, these offenses result in felony charges on the lower end; this results in a jail sentence of up to three years. When elder abuse is intentional, abusers are given mid-range felony charges which can result in up to a twenty year jail sentence. Following the investigation of elder abuse cases, the severity of each case is determined. Lower punishment is given to those who inflict abuse that is less severe upon the elder; serious injuries result in higher level charges and punishment. In some instances, elderly endangerment is reported. When these types of situations occur, abusers are charged with a misdemeanor. In other instances, charges may overlap with other offenses. When this is the case, many states charge defendants with each charge that applies to them. Another consequence for elder abusers is revocation of care licenses. If an individual is accused of elder abuse, but possesses a license that permits them to care for other human beings, their license will be revoked. Lastly, if the abuser is promised a gift from the victim, such as an inheritance, it will no longer be available to them. Although some of these consequences are intense, people still decide to abuse those of the elderly population so they deserve the