
- There are many forms of elder abuse, such as physical, emotional, sexual, financial, neglect and abandonment.
- Although 5 million cases of elder abuse occur each year, an astonishing 85 percent go unreported.
- 1 in 9 Americans over the age of 60 have experienced some kind of elder abuse.
- Warning signs of elderly abuse include bruises, broken bones, burns, cuts, depression, poor hygiene, weight loss, and arguments between caregivers or family members.
- 14,000 elder abuse cases occur in nursing homes.
- In two-thirds of cases, the abusers are family members, usually the victim’s children or spouse.
- In many instances, the abuser is financially dependent on the elder or has drug or alcohol problems.
- 50 percent of elders who suffer from dementia experience some form of abuse.
- Legislatures in all 50 states have passed some type of elder abuse law.
- While 91 percent of federal abuse prevention dollars are spent towards child abuse and 7 percent against domestic abuse, only 2 percent goes towards protecting the elderly.
- By the year 2030, abuse of elderly Americans over the age of 85 are expected to double.
Sources:
Help Guide [3]
Bullying [6]
Elderly Abuse [7]
Sexual Assault [8]
Discrimination [9]
Age Discrimination [10]
Disability Rights [11]