OF ALL THE forms of family violence, elder abuse has historically received the least attention. As a result, experts in the field have yet to reach a consensus on definitions of elder abuse. The authors of Family Violence Across the Lifespan note, "With little agreement on who should care for elders and how they should be cared for, it should come as no surprise that there is little agreement on how elder abuse should be defined." Researchers also are still studying the factors that contribute to and are important in preventing elder abuse. Finally, experts are struggling with the issue of an individual's right to choose versus the state's obligation to protect older adults.

The nature of abuse

Elders suffer from the same types of abuse as other victims of family violence. They may be physically, sexually, and emotionally abused at the hands of...