Which statement is true regarding family abuse in older adults?

The statement that 90% of cases have perpetrators as family members is accurate and highlights a crucial aspect of family violence in older adults. Research consistently indicates that elder abuse is often committed by individuals close to the victims, typically family members such as adult children or spouses. This close relationship can create a context in which abuse arises, often intertwined with complex dynamics around caregiving, dependency, and familial obligations. Understanding this statistic emphasizes the importance of recognizing that older adults may be more vulnerable to abuse from those who are supposed to care for them and support them during their later years, illustrating the need for awareness and preventive measures within family dynamics.

While emotional abuse is indeed significant and can be prevalent in cases of elder abuse, the emphasis on the familial relationship of the perpetrators provides a clearer understanding of the circumstances contributing to elder abuse cases. This awareness is critical for developing effective interventions and support systems to protect older adults from potential abuse within their own families.