Profile of an Elder Abuse Victim and the Abuser
It is difficult to simply categorize who will become a victim of elder abuse or could be a perpetrator of the abuse. However, some studies have addressed specific types of elder abuse and/or neglect to identify the characteristics associated with each. Elder abuse may not be totally avoidable, but it can be prevented if you are aware of what an abusive relationship looks like.
3 Distinct Patterns of Elder Abuse Victim & Perpetrator Characteristics
Studies show that there are typically three distinct patterns of victim and perpetrator characteristics in elder abuse and neglect:
1. Physical & Psychological Elder Abuse
Victims of both psychological and physical elder abuse tend to be both women and men who were young-old (65 to 74 years old), married, more independent in activities of daily living. However, they also tend to be in poor emotional health with low self-esteem, in troubled marriages, living with other individuals and socially isolated.
Perpetrators of physical and psychological abuse tend to be spouses who have histories of mental illness or other such issues, abuse alcohol, suffer from a recent decline in mental and/or physical health, and were dependent on and lived with the victim.
2. Material Abuse or Exploitation
Victims of elder abuse involving financial and/or material exploitation are often not married (widowed, divorced or never married), older individuals who live alone and have problems with managing their money and other assets. These victims often lack adequate social support.
Perpetrators of material abuse or exploitation are generally younger, distant relatives or nonrelatives who have physical or emotional problems. They typically do not live with their victims, but are financially dependent on them.
3. Elder Neglect
Whereas perpetrators of elder abuse seem to have a more relevant characteristic, it is the victims of elder neglect who have a more relevant set of characteristics. Elder neglect victims are often much older (80 years and older), widowed, and disabled. They are typically women who are dependent on caregivers as a result of their poor health and physical and/or mental impairment. Victims of elder neglect generally live with the individuals who neglect them.
Perpetrators of elder neglect are typically family members and unrelated caregivers who have experienced losses in their own support system and view the elderly as the source of stress.
If you or someone you know is a victim of any type of elder abuse or neglect, it is important to immediately report the abuse to authority. You should also seek the help of an experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorney to also hold the perpetrator civilly liable for their actions.
Call a New Jersey Elder Abuse Attorney Today!
The legal team at Beninato & Matrafajlo Attorneys at Law, LLC is dedicated to helping our injured clients reach the best monetary settlement when they are involved in any type of accident.
If you suspect a loved one has become the victim of elder abuse, you need an experienced and caring legal advocate on your side. Our experienced New Jersey elder abuse attorneys are available to personally review your case. Call us at 908-355-7100 to schedule a free, complimentary consultation with our legal team today.
Dan T. Matrafajlo, Esq. is the Managing Member and Lead Partner at Beninato & Matrafajlo, Attorneys at Law, LLC, a New Jersey-based personal injury law firm with offices in Elizabeth and East Brunswick. With over two decades of experience representing clients in complex matters—including motor vehicle accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death cases—he has recovered over $100 million on behalf of his clients and is known for securing significant results. He has also helped shape New Jersey personal injury law through notable Appellate Division decisions such as Hardison v. King and Frenklakh v. Lojek, with his litigation work featured in the New Jersey Law Journal, underscoring his authority in the field.
Mr. Matrafajlo was recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Stars honoree from 2012 to 2017 and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum—an honor reserved for attorneys who have achieved multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements. Combining deep legal expertise with a client-focused approach, he provides strategic, results-driven representation while guiding clients through every stage of the legal process. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law and is admitted to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
