In cases of elder abuse, how do the perpetrators usually relate to the victims?

Perpetrators of elder abuse most commonly have a close, personal relationship with the victims. This often includes family members or intimate partners who may be caretaking for the elderly individual. The familiarity and dependency inherent in these relationships can lead to situations where abuse occurs, as the elder may be vulnerable, reliant on their caregivers, and less likely to report abuse due to fear, shame, or a desire to protect the perpetrator.

In contrast, while strangers or acquaintances can commit abuse, they are far less likely to be the primary perpetrators in cases of elder abuse. Similarly, healthcare professionals and community service providers are typically in roles meant to assist and protect the elderly and do not usually engage in abusive behaviors. Therefore, the close-knit nature of familial relationships is a critical factor in the occurrence of this type of abuse, making family members or intimate partners the most common perpetrators.