Abuse of the elderly -- physical, psychological, institutional, sexual, financial, and criminal victimization -- remained a largely undefined social problem until the end of the 1970s. Senior citizens seem not to report any abuse for fear of losing the little support they may have from their friends, family members, neighbours, and professionals. Today some light is being shed on this type of family violence; the past seven years have seen an increase in research studies and media focus on this topic.

The ten essays in the book represent contributions by nurses, psychiatrists, lawyers, sociologists, social workers, and social scientists.

The annotated bibliography includes 260 books, booklets, journal articles, reports, newsletters, and surveys related to the topic, published in Canada and the United States between 1979 and 1987. Entries are arranged in 44 subject categories, from 'abstracts on aging' to 'women and aging'. A resource section lists visual aids available on the topic of abuse of the elderly, a basic library on the topic, and the complete addresses of the major sources cited in the bibliography, which will enable the reader to obtain the original item. An author index completes the volume.

A pioneering effort on the topic of abuse of the elderly, this volume will serve as an essential guide to an important emerging social issue.

Benjamin Schlesinger is Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Social Work at the University of Toronto. He has previously published 22 academic books.

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Rachel Schlesinger teaches in the Faculty of Education and Division of Social Science, York University.

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