Reconize & Report
Understanding the Issue
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse occurs when an action or a failure to act causes harm or places an adult age 60 or older at risk. Abuse can take many forms and often involves someone the individual knows or trusts, such as a caregiver, family member, or service provider.
Elder abuse can occur in homes, community settings, and care environments. It affects people of all backgrounds and may involve more than one type of harm occurring at the same time.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder mistreatment can take many forms. Understanding these types can help individuals and professionals recognize concerns and take appropriate action.
Physical Abuse
The use of force that causes pain, injury, or physical impairment. This may include hitting, pushing, improper use of restraints, or misuse of medication.
Sexual Abuse
Any non-consensual sexual contact or interaction, including unwanted touching or sexual activity with someone unable to give consent.
Emotional or Psychological Abuse
Actions that cause fear, distress, or emotional harm, such as threats, humiliation, intimidation, isolation, or verbal harassment.
Financial Exploitation
The misuse or theft of money, property, or assets, including coercion, deception, misuse of power of attorney, or financial scams.
Abandonment
The desertion of an individual by someone responsible for providing care or supervision.
Self-Neglect
When an individual is unable to meet essential needs due to physical or cognitive impairment, such as hygiene, health care, nutrition, or financial management.
Neglect
The failure of a caregiver to provide basic needs such as food, shelter, medical care, or personal safety.
Key Facts
Understanding Risk and Prevalence
Elder abuse can affect individuals in different situations and settings. Understanding who may be at greater risk and how common abuse is can help with early recognition and prevention.
Who Is at Greater Risk?
Elder abuse can happen to anyone, but certain factors may increase vulnerability. These include chronic physical or mental health conditions, cognitive impairment, social isolation, dependence on others for care or finances, and caregiver stress or lack of support.
Abuse is never the fault of the person experiencing it.
How Common Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is more common than many realize. Research shows that one in ten older adults living in the community experience abuse. Risk may increase during periods of isolation or stress, and abuse may occur once or repeatedly over time.
Education and Awareness
Understanding Elder Abuse and Ageism
Learning more about elder abuse and ageism can help individuals recognize warning signs and understand how different systems work together to respond.
The Helping Elders Access Resources (HEAR) training video, developed by the Virginia Center on Aging, provides an overview of elder abuse, ageism, and the importance of connecting individuals to appropriate support and services. The video is designed for both community members and professionals.
Taking Action
How to Make a Report
If you suspect abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation, it is important to report your concerns as soon as possible. You do not need proof. Reporting allows trained professionals to assess the situation and determine appropriate next steps.
Recognize a Concern
Pay attention to warning signs or changes that may indicate abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or financial exploitation.
Contact Adult Protective Services
Report concerns to your local Department of Social Services or call the 24-hour Adult Protective Services hotline at (888) 832-3858.
Submit an Online Report
You may also submit a report online through Adult Protective Services using the information you have available.
Call 911 in an Emergency
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
If You Are Concerned, Take the Next Step
If something does not feel right, trust your instincts and reach out. Reporting concerns supports individual safety and helps strengthen a coordinated community response.
sources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Elder abuse definitions and prevention guidance
Elder Justice Act.
Federal legislation addressing elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
University of Southern California Elder Justice Initiative.
What Is Elder Abuse? https://elderjustice.usc.edu/what-is-elder-abuse/
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA).
Signs of Elder Abuse. December 2023.
Virginia Center on Aging. Helping Elders Access Resources (HEAR).
https://chp.catalog.vcu.edu/courses/elder-justice-and-ageism-virginia-helping-elders-access-resources-hear
Knowledge. Support. Action.