Elder Abuse

Elder Abuse generally refers to neglect or exploitation of older persons. The abuse can be inflicted by family members, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. The Department of Health and Social Services Administration on Aging (DOH-AOA) defines Elder Abuse as a “term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult.” Nearly 1 in 20 elderly adults experiences abuse, and controlling for other factors, the abused die faster than their nonabused counterparts.

Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some form of elder abuse prevention law, and these laws recognize economic, physical, and psychological forms of abuse. Laws and definitions of terms vary considerably from one state to another, ...