Elder Abuse

Elder abuse refers to the mistreatment of an older individual by a known individual. Unlike in a common crime where the perpetrator is typically unknown to the victim, elder abuse occurs when the assailant is familiar. An additional form of elder abuse is self-neglect, which occurs when an older person fails to properly care for themselves. Corresponding with the increased number of aging Americans, reports of elder abuse in the United States are becoming increasingly common.

Elder abuse is a serious, multifaceted problem in the United States; the crime of elder abuse takes multiple forms. The most common type of elder abuse is neglect, when an older person's needs are not being met. An elder may need assistance with daily tasks, such as bathing, toileting, or ...