Violence Against Women
From the National Women's Health Information Center
Elder Abuse
 Elder abuse is when older people are abused, neglected, and taken advantage of. Many victims are people who are older and frail and depend on others to meet their needs. Family members of the victim are responsible for most cases of elder abuse. Elder abuse can include:
- physical abuse, sexual abuse, and psychological abuse
- financial exploitation (using the resources of an older person, without his or her consent for someone else’s benefit)
- neglect
But abuse does not have to be a part of growing older. You can take steps to
protect yourself. Choose someone you trust to help you make important decisions about your
healthcare, living arrangements, and finances. Try to stay involved in matters that
directly affect you. Learn about the signs
of elder abuse, so you can help protect the elderly people in your life.
If you or someone you know has been the victim of elder abuse, seek help from
other family members and friends or community organizations. Reach out for support or
counseling. Talk to a health care provider, especially if you have been physically hurt.
Get Help for Elder Abuse
Protect your loved ones from abuse. Make sure they get the care and services they need. Every case of elder abuse should be reported to the local authority in your area. Reporting procedures differ in each state, but a good place to start is by looking in your area phone book for numbers of the Adult Protective Services (APS) agency, Agency or the Department on Aging, or the Department of Social Services.
Many states have 24-hour toll-free numbers for receiving confidential reports of abuse. You can get more information on elder abuse from the National Center on Elder Abuse on the Internet at www.elderabusecenter.org. For help with locating elder care services, call the Administration on Aging nationwide toll-free Eldercare Locator at 800-677-1116.
When an elder is in immediate danger, it is best to call 911 or the local police.
If you're a victim of violence at the hands of someone you know or love or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. Get immediate help and support
The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-SAFE (7233), 800-787-3224 (TTY). Spanish speakers are available. When you call, you will first hear a recording and may have to hold. Hotline staff offer crisis intervention and referrals. If requested, they connect women to shelters and can send out written information. For more information, visit their web site at www.ndvh.org.
The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-656-4673. When you call, you will hear a menu and can choose #1 to talk to a counselor. You will then be connected to a counselor in your area who can help you. For more information, visit their web site at www.rainn.org.
Publications
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Elder Abuse and Neglect: In Search of Solutions (Copyright © American Psychological Association) - This on-line publication provides information on the signs of elder abuse. It explains why elder abuse may occur, ways to prevent it, and what to do if elder abuse is suspected. A list of resources is also provided at the end of the publication.
http://www.apa.org/pi/aging/eldabuse.html
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Elder Abuse Prevention - This publication gives information on the prevalence of elder abuse, what types of abuse are common, and what the Administration on Aging is doing to combat this problem.
http://www.aoa.gov/press/fact/alpha/fact_elder_abuse.asp
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Escaping the Prison of the Past Trauma: New Treatment for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - This article provides information and education on post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and new treatments.
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2000/300_ptsd.html
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Help for Victims and Vulnerable Persons (Copyright © NCPEA) - This publication links to information about where to find help if you or someone you know is a victim of elder abuse.
http://www.preventelderabuse.org/help/help.html
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State Elder Abuse Hotlines (Copyright © NCEA) - This publication lists elder abuse hotlines by state.
http://www.elderabusecenter.org/default.cfm?p=statehotlines.cfm
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The Basics: Major Types of Elder Abuse (Copyright © NCEA) - This report provides information on the many different types of elder abuse, which can include: physical, sexual, emotional or psychological abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial or material exploitation. This publication also contains information on elderly "self-neglect" as a form of abuse.
http://www.elderabusecenter.org/basic/index.html
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What is Elder Abuse? (Copyright © NCPEA) - This publication links to fact sheets on physical abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, psychological abuse, financial abuse, neglect, and self neglect.
http://www.preventelderabuse.org/elderabuse/elderabuse.html
Organizations
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Administration on Aging, HHS
http://www.aoa.gov
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National Center for Victims of Crime
http://www.ncvc.org/
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National Center on Elder Abuse
http://www.elderabusecenter.org/
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National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
http://www.preventelderabuse.org/
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