What is elder abuse? How can it be explained and understood? Why now? What can be done about it? This book explores these questions, examining how the mistreatment of older people is defined, theorized and researched. It places the problem in its social and historical context, giving special attention to forms of abuse within families, communities and institutions like hospitals and residential homes. It looks at issues around training and elder abuse and explores the most effective methods of intervention and prevention. This text aims to challenge many commonly held assumptions and provides new insight into elder abuse and neglect.