Child abuse

Child abuse is when a parent or caregiver, whether through action or failing to act, causes injury, death, emotional harm or risk of serious harm to a child. There are many forms of child maltreatment, including neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation and emotional abuse.

Sibling abuse 

Sibling abuse includes the physical, psychological, or sexual abuse of one sibling by another.  A fourth category that brought attention from researchers during the first decade of the 21st century is sibling relational abuse, which derives from relational aggression—almost all siblings fight. Abuse occurs when one sibling consistently intimidates, terrorizes or controls another.  Sibling abuse occurs most often in dysfunctional, neglectful or abusive homes when parents fail to set boundaries or discipline abusive children.  A study found that of 60 per cent of children who witnessed abuse between their parents later acted out the scene with their siblings. They also are more likely to abuse others when they grow up.

Elder abuse

Elder abuse can be defined as "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person". Elder abuse can take various forms such as financial, physical, psychological and sexual. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

Based on the available evidence, WHO estimates that 15.7% of people 60 years and older are subjected to abuse. These prevalence rates are likely to be underestimated as many cases of elder abuse are not reported. Globally the numbers of people affected are predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.