Many elder abuse victims feel that they can’t let anyone know about their abuse. Reasons may include:

• Fear of more abuse
• Shame or humiliation
• Blame
• Loss of affection or love for abuser
• Concerned about repercussions
• Family loyalty
• Fear of being moved out of home
• May not realise that abuse is occurring
• Threats from perpetrator
• Not being aware of options and resources
• Only alternative accommodation may be residential care
• Loss of entire social network
• Impairment
• Guilt
• Not able to leave the home to disclose the abuse
• Potential loss of relationships with adult children or grandchildren.

Women who are victims/survivors of abuse, may have additional issues such as:

• A strong sense of identity being a ‘carer’ and minimising their own needs
• Not wanting to leave because ‘marriage is for life’
• Staying for the sake of the children
• A lack of financial resources due to family caring roles
• Religious beliefs regarding family relationships
• Fear of losing home and property
• The perpetrator and family members being the victim’s only social contacts.