Elder abuse includes physical, sexual, financial, emotional/psychological, neglect/abandonment, and self-neglect of anyone age 60+. Though the definition of elder abuse may vary by state, elder abuse is widely believed to be committed by those in a trusting relationship with the older adult.

What does Elder Abuse Look Like?

While this list isn’t exhaustive, you may be a victim of elder abuse if someone:

• Hits, shoves, strangles, or otherwise physically harms you
• Threatens to harm you and/or your loved ones
• Touches you or forces you to do sexual things you do not want to do
• Intentionally scares you
• Yells at you or calls you names
• Prevents you from contacting family members and friends
• Threatens to leave or send you to a nursing home
• Tricks you out of your money or property
• Forces you to sign documents or give money or property
• Takes your money or property without permission
• Abandons you or neglects you by failing to provide the medicine, food, and care you need from them

What can I do?

While there is no universal set of steps that will work for everyone, these actions may be of assistance to you:

• Call 911 for Immediate Assistance – You know yourself and your situation better than anyone. Trust your instincts and call for help if you feel you are in danger.
• Alert Others – Tell trusted doctors, friends, or family members that you are in need of help.
• Report the Abuse – Your local Adult Protective Services agency may be able to help by investigating your situation and connecting you to local support services or law enforcement. Find your local Adult Protection agency Please access the VictimConnect Resource Map.
• Locate Your Ombudsman – If you have concerns about treatment at a nursing home or assisted living facility, locate your state or county’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman through the National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center. The Ombudsman can look into your care and try to help.
• Stay Connected – Friends and family members that you trust can be of support to you if you are experiencing abuse, neglect, or maltreatment.
• Create a Safety Plan – Develop a personalized plan to keep yourself safe. Find help doing this here or connect with an advocate for assistance.

Visit our VictimConnect Resource Map for additional resources or contact the VictimConnect Resource Center by phone or text at 1-855-4-VICTIM or by chat for more information or assistance in locating services that can help you or a loved one experiencing elder abuse.