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WHAT IS IT?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or neglectful acts
by a caregiver or "trusted" individual that leads to, or may lead to harm of a
vulnerable adult.
KEY FACTS:
- How Many Elders Are Abused? According to the
Department of Justice, a minimum of 1 in 9 or 11% of Americans over age 60
have experienced some form of elder abuse in the past year.
- Many Cases Go Unreported. For every
one case of elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, or self neglect reported to
authorities, at least 5 more go unreported.
- Who Commits Elder Abuse? In almost 90% of the
elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator
is a family member, and two-thirds of the perpetrators are adult children or
spouses.
- Financial Abuse is Common. Elder
financial abuse is regarded as the third most commonly substantiated type of
elder abuse, following neglect and emotional/psychological abuse.
While underreported, the annual financial loss by victims of elder financial
abuse is estimated to be at least $2.6 billion dollars.
- Reports Increasing. As the number of
elders increases, so does the problem.
- Death Rates Higher. For those elders who
have been mistreated, the risk of death is 300 times greater than those who
have not been.
WHO IS AT RISK?
- Women and Very Elderly Most at Risk.
Elder abuse affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and
races. However, women and "older" elders are more likely to be
victimized.
TYPES OF ABUSE:
Physical
Financial or Material Exploitation
Neglect
Sexual
Abandonment
Emotional/Psychological
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