Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is when older persons are abused, neglected and exploited by family members and others. It is a problem that is growing, unfortunately, in the United States, along with the elderly population. Most victims of elder abuse are older women who have chronic illnesses or disabilities. Victims are also often frail, and depend on others to meet their most basic needs. Every year, thousands of elderly Americans are abused by a caregiver. Ninety percent of offenders are family members of the victim. Elder abuse can include physical abuse, sexual abuse, psychological abuse, financial exploitation (using the resources of an older person, without her/his consent for someone else's benefit), and neglect.

But abuse does not have to be a part of growing older. You can take steps to protect yourself. Choose someone you trust to help you make important decisions about your healthcare, living arrangements, and finances. Try to stay involved in matters that directly affect you. Learn about the signs of elder abuse, so you can help protect the elderly people in your life.

If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, seek help from other family members and friends or community organizations. Reach out for support or counseling. Talk to a health care provider, especially if you have been physically hurt. Learn more about how to get help for elder abuse.

If you're a victim of violence at the hands of someone you know or love or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. To get immediate help and support call
The National Domestic Violence Hotline at:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or
1-800-787-3224 (TTY)

Publications

Elder Abuse and Neglect (Copyright © Linda M. Woolf, Ph.D) - This academic paper succinctly summarizes research findings to provide information on the different types of elder abuse, indications or warning signs that elder abuse could be occurring, a list of resources for prevention and intervention, the problem of self-neglect, possible causes of elder abuse, and what to do if it happens to you or someone you know.
Elder Abuse Prevention - This fact sheet introduces the problem of elder abuse from a national perspective. It discusses the generally accepted definitions of elder abuse, the role of the Administration on Aging (AoA) in elder abuse prevention and reduction, how to report elder abuse and what happens after filing a report.
Results from an Elder Abuse Prevention Experiment in New York City - This Research in Brief addresses the increasing need for elder abuse prevention and highlights a field experiment involving interventions designed to reduce repeat incidents of elder abuse including difficulties and successes.
The Basics: Major Types of Elder Abuse (Copyright © NCEA) - This report provides information on the many different types of elder abuse, which can include: physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial or material exploitation. This publication also contains information on elderly "self-neglect" as a form of abuse.

Organizations

= Indicates Federal Resources

Last updated: March, 2003


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