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It is difficult to identify both the abused elderly and carers who abuse them. Attitudes surrounding family life and the views of society can make it difficult to identify abuse. The elderly's lack of social contact, and the frailness and poor health of many of them, can also make identification difficult. Abusers often restrict access to the abused, and victims are unwilling to inform on their abusers. Similarities with the abuse of children are also discussed. Much can be learned from experience gained in the area of child abuse.

The authors discuss the international development of research, theory, policy, and practice in relation to elder abuse and domestic violence affecting older populations. Topics discussed include the estimated number of people worldwide who are predicted to be over 65 years of age by 2030, the definition of elder abuse according to the World Health Organisation, and inclusion of the category of discriminatory abuse in the policy guidance in England and Wales.

The article discusses various papers published within the issue, including one by Malcolm Millar and Brian Corby which evaluates Great Britain's 2000 Framework for Assessment of Children in Need and Their Families and another by Des Hanrahan on family-based services for adults with learning disabilities.