Elder Abuse Awareness

What is Elder Abuse?

“The abuse of older people, also known as elder abuse, is a single or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust, which causes harm or distress to an older person.” – World Health Organization

Signs of Abuse

Emotional Abuse

• Threats
• Yelling

Physical Abuse

• Broken bones or sprains
• Hitting, kicking, shoving
• Unexplained bruises

Sexual Abuse

• Bloody or torn undergarments
• Bruising or other traumas to the genital area
• Fear of an individual
• Presence of STDs

Neglect

• Insufficient food
• Lack of medical care
• Poor hygiene
• Weight loss

Financial Exploitation

• Disappearance of belongings
• Signature forgery
• Unpaid bills
• Unusual bank transactions

Resources

If you suspect an older adult is being abused, neglected, or exploited, call the 24-hour hotline below, or contact your local Adult Protective Services. Calls may be made anonymously. 

Adult Protective Services Hotline 1-888-832-3858

Web Sources

Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services

National Institute on Aging

U.S. Department of Justice

Administration of Community Living

World Health Organization