Final answer:
Financial/material abuse refers to the illegal or improper use of someone's funds or assets, a common form of abuse among elders and children. It covers various exploitative behaviors that have widespread and profound impacts on individuals and society. Researchers like Acierno highlight its prevalence and the need to question the societal perception of such crimes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Financial/material abuse is a form of mistreatment often identified in elder and child abuse cases. It involves the illegal or improper use of an individual’s funds, property, or assets. According to research by Acierno (2010), it is one of the prevalent forms of elder abuse, with a reported rate of 5.2 percent among respondents aged sixty and older. Similar abuse patterns are also noted in contexts involving children, where financial stress is one of the factors that may contribute to child abuse.
However, it's important to note that abuse crosses socio-economic, education levels, ethnic, and cultural lines, manifesting in various forms such as neglect, physical, sexual, and psychological abuse, with financial abuse being a significant but sometimes less visible component.Considering financial crimes like abuse and exploitation, it's essential to ask why they are often seen as less deviant than other crimes, such as physical or sexual abuse. Financial abuse can be particularly devastating for the elderly, who may depend on their resources for care and quality of life.