Stop Elder Abuse
Elder abuse happens in a variety of ways. If you are being abused or know of someone who is, call the Elder Abuse Hotline 1-800-392-0210. It’s a toll free number that’s available to you 24 hours a day.

Types of Elder Abuse
  • Physical abuse: Hitting, shoving, shaking or slapping.
  • Financial exploitation: Stealing by deceit or taking over control of assets or income without the person’s consent.
  • Emotional abuse: Yelling, humiliating, or threatening an elder.
  • Sexual abuse: Nonconsensual sexual molestation and/or contact.
  • Self-neglect: Failing to provide for one’s basic needs of daily living; personal care, shelter, food, medical care or safety.
  • Neglect: Denial of basic needs for food, shelter, personal care, medical attention or safe oversight by another.
Who are easy targets?

When it comes to elder abuse, no group is immune. The problem persists in all social classes and all racial, ethnic and religious groups. It is a problem in both urban and rural communities. Abuse can occur in the home, nursing facility, residential care facility or hospital.

What follows is an overview of persons who are susceptible to elder abuse:
• Frail or possess a chronic physical or mental impairment
• Socially isolated
• Dependent on others for basic needs
• Powerless in an abusive situation
• Fearful of retaliation or ashamed to take action

The warning signs:
• Bruises, cuts and abrasions
• Bizarre behavior
• Untreated bed sores
• Lack of necessities such as food, utilities or medication
• Medical neglect
• Soiled clothing
• Unsafe living conditions
• Difficulty with safe care
• Depression
• Misuse of funds or property

Solutions for victims
When abuse is reported, trained staff form the Division of Senior Services and Regulation make personal contact with the victim, listen to their concerns and help find a solution. Assistance with the following may also be provided:
• Arrange emergency support and counseling
• Coordinate needed medical care
• Link individuals to community resources and appropriate legal intervention
• Arrange in-home services, day care, advanced personal care, nursing services

If you or someone you know has been victimized report the information to the Division of Senior Services and Regulation’s Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-0210.