The Implications of the Term ‘Elder Abuse’ for Problem Definition and Response in Health and Social Welfare

ABSTRACT ‘Elder abuse’ has recently emerged as an important phenomenon, with implications for social policy and professional practices. In this article it is argued that responses must be based on a more thorough definition. of ‘elder abuse’. A distinction between acts which can be regarded as ‘abuse’ and those which could be seen as ‘criminal’ is seen to be necessary for the development of policy and practice, recognising that these two ideas are grounded in competing discourses. The concept of an ‘obligation of care’ between perpetrator and elderly person is proposed as the basis for establishing a boundary between the two discourses and their policy implications. It is argued that this concept will enable a more focused definition of ‘elder abuse’ to be developed which will provide a more effective foundation for policies and subsequent social responses.