35 FAMILY VIOLENCE AWARENESS What is family violence? continued Elder Abuse Elder abuse is any action, behaviour or failure to act, by a person in a position of trustlike an adult child, family member, friend or caregiverthat causes or risks causing harm to an older adult. Elder abuse includes: • physical, sexual or emotional harm • damage toor loss ofproperty or assets Elder abuse covers a whole range of behaviours including • hurtful comments • dominating or controlling an older adult's activities • isolating an older person from family, friends or regular activities • unduly pressuring older adults to sign legal documents that they do not fully understand • misusing a power of attorney • not providing appropriate medication or medical attention • any form of physical abuse Elder abuse may take place in the home, the community or in an institution. Violence Based On SoCalled "Honour" Violence based on socalled "honour" happens when family members use violence to protect the family's honour. The victim, who is usually female, has behaved in ways that the family believes will bring shame or dishonour. For example, the family might not approve of: • dating or talking to boys • having sexual relationships outside marriage • wearing what the parents believe is the wrong clothing • refusing a forced marriage The family members believe that using violence will restore the family's reputation. The types of violence the family uses can include: • beatings • forced confinement • threats • counselling suicide • killing These actions are all crimes, and crimes committed in the name of socalled "honour" are often planned in advance with other family or community members. This violence is not limited to any particular ethnic or religious community. Designed by Freepik continued
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