Based on the discussion at this meeting, the definitions were revised and prepared for pre-testing. The pilot testing process is discussed in greater detail in a later section of this report. Definitions of Elder Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation The following definitions of domestic elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation developed for the study pertain to elders living in non-institutionalized settings. Physical abuse is the use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment. The unwarranted administration of drugs and physical restraints, force-feeding, and physical punishment of any kind also are examples of physical abuse.
Sexual abuse is nonconsensual sexual contact of any kind with an elderly person.
Emotional or psychological abuse is the infliction of anguish, emotional pain, or distress. Emotional or psychological abuse includes but is not limited to verbal assaults, insults, threats, intimidation, humiliation, and harassment. Neglect is the refusal or failure to fulfill any part of a person's obligations or duties to an elder. Neglect typically means the refusal or failure to provide an elderly person with such life necessities as food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene, medicine, comfort, personal safety, and other essentials included as a responsibility or an agreement. Abandonment is the desertion of an elderly person by an individual who has assumed responsibility for providing care or by a person with physical custody of an elder.