Elder abuse: importance of forensic medical assessment

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Elder abuse has increased in recent decades, with physical, psychological, sexual abuse and physical neglect being the most common forms of violence.

Objective: To explain the conceptual and wound analysis aspects in the assessment of
the older adult victim of physical, sexual abuse and neglect.

Results: In cases of physical abuse, the injuries are generally greater than 5 cm, are
located in the upper and lower extremities, head and neck and chest, have specific
patterns such as intentional burns, or atypical distribution as in traumatic alopecia. The
spectrum of negligent injuries primarily includes ulcers and complications from untreated illnesses. Acts of sexual abuse frequently involve lesions in the genital, oral, anal
regions, and sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusions: In events of physical abuse, neglect and sexual abuse, circumstantial
and physical analysis are essential. Lesion pattern analysis helps in the suspected and
differential diagnosis with other causes of lesions.