|
 |
Physical Abuse
Physical Abuse is the infliction of physical harm or injury upon an elderly person. Examples of physical abuse are assaults, unreasonable physical restraint, inappropriate dosages of medication, or prolonged deprivation of food or water. |
| Signs of Possible Physical Abuse: When to suspect an elderly person is being physically abused |
-
Unexplained bruises or welts
-
Injuries that are incompatible with explanations
-
Cuts, pinch marks, skin tears, lacerations or puncture wounds
-
Malnourishment or dehydration
-
An untreated medical condition
-
Injuries that reflect outline of an object used to inflict it - belt, rope, hand
-
Soiled clothing or bedding
-
Torn, stained or bloody underwear
-
Home and yard in need of repair
-
Bruises in various stages of healing |
|
An example of physical abuse:
A 69 year old mother was beaten by her 45 year old son. The mother had finished cleaning the bathroom before her son, who lives with her, arrived home from work. The son became upset with the mother about how she cleaned it. He lead her into the bathroom, and began to yell at her asking if she would like to die. He then began punching her with such force that he broke bones in her face. When police arrived, they saw her crawling out a window trying to escape from him. |
If you know of someone being physically abused (or merely suspect this crime is occurring), call the police immediately! Everyone has the right to live free of abuse and we need to come together and fight these crimes.
Click Here to Go Back to Main Page |
