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
| Norfolk | 757-664-6123 |
| Virginia Beach | 757-385-3550 |
| Chesapeake | 757-382-2008 |
| Portsmouth | 757-405-1800 |
| Suffolk | 757-514-7458 |
| Franklin | 757-562-8520 |
| Isle of Wight County | 757-365-0880 |
Web Sources
Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services