Ask your child to leave if you feel unsafe. Or, leave the environment yourself and go to a friend or neighbor’s home. If you have been hurt or have been threatened, contact the local police or County Adult Protective Services. If you need medical attention, call emergency services right away.

If they yell or call you names, say “Please don’t yell” or “I will not tolerate name-calling. ”

For example, you might say, “If you yell or call me names, I will discontinue the conversation” or “If you come to my home drunk, I will call the police. ” If it’s necessary, refuse to open your door and change your locks if they have a key.

For instance, if you said you would not engage in conversation if there is yelling or name-calling, disengage and leave the room. If you said you’d call the police when your child comes by under the influence, do so. Be sure that you only verbalize consequences that you are ready and willing to follow through with. That way, you can be consistent every time a boundary is violated.

Physical abuse that includes hitting, pinching, or restraining that causes pain. Psychological or emotional abuse such as humiliating or blaming that causes mental distress. Financial abuse that involves misusing or exploiting money or material possessions. Neglect which involves failing to provide adequate care to an elderly person. Sexual abuse which includes involvement in sexual acts without consent.

If the person you talk to doesn’t do anything to help you, keep telling until someone does. If the abuse is not technically elder abuse, this person can still offer you support and help you brainstorm ways of stopping the abuse.

If you’re in the US, call the Eldercare Locator helpline at 1-800-677-1116. If you’re in the UK, call the Action on Elder Abuse hotline at 080 8808 8141.

If the adult child lives in your home, you might ask them to move out. If they live elsewhere, you might request that they stop visiting you (unless they can treat you appropriately). If you are dependent on them, you might try to make other arrangements, such as moving in with a different family member or moving into an assisted living facility.

Ask your doctor for a recommendation to a counselor in your area.

Establish a few standing dates each week to hang out with others. Invite a friend over for dinner or meet with a church group on Sundays.