What is defined as abuse under OCGA 16-5-102?

The correct choice identifies abuse as encompassing a broad range of harmful actions, including inflicting pain, injury, sexual abuse, mental abuse, confinement, or intimidation. This definition aligns with the comprehensive understanding of abuse outlined in OCGA 16-5-102, highlighting that abuse is not limited to one specific type of harm but includes various forms of maltreatment that can affect an individual's physical and psychological well-being.

This definition is crucial because it emphasizes the multi-faceted nature of abuse, recognizing that it can occur in various forms and can be perpetrated in different ways beyond just physical harm. By including elements like intimidation and mental abuse, it underscores the importance of addressing all aspects of elder abuse, which can often manifest in more subtle and insidious forms that may not leave visible marks but can be equally damaging.

In contrast, the other choices focus on narrower or insufficient definitions of abuse, failing to capture the broad spectrum of actions that can constitute elder abuse according to the law. For instance, emotional neglect and psychological control or solely physical harm do not encompass the entirety of what can be classified as abuse under the statute, indicating a more limited understanding of the issue at hand.