In Part I, three essays provide an overview of the early research studies that were instrumental in formulating a programmatic response to elder abuse, a critique of the shortcomings of the research, an exploration of the theoretical foundations of the policy that evolved, and the findings of recent studies that contradict the earliest research. Part II contains six essays that present perspectives from the nursing, legal, and social work professions regarding the difficulties they encounter in recognizing and responding to abuse of the elderly. Complications derive from the practitioner's personal views of the appropriate use of force within the family and attitudes toward the elderly, the implementation of laws that vary from State to State, the ambiguities of case detection and intervention, and the diversity of abuse cases. In Part III, 10 essays address policy, both its process and effects, at the Federal, State, and to a lesser extent, local level. 192 references, subject index.