What is Elder Abuse?

 The World Health Organization defines elder abuse as “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.”

Elder Abuse Occurs In Many Terrible Forms

Scroll down to learn more about the 6 different forms we have identified.

Elder Neglect

When a responsible caregiver fails to meet the medical, social, or psychological needs of an older adult.

Physical Abuse

When violence, force, or the threat of force is used to harm an older person.

We have a plan to end elder abuse.
We just need you.

We are a group of leaders who have spent decades fighting elder abuse. Its now time to take the effort to to the next level.  That’s where you come in.

Financial Abuse / Exploitation

When someone takes money or property from an older person without their knowledge, understanding or consent.

Psychological Abuse

When someone attempts to intimidate, demean, or belittle an older person with words or actions.

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”

–Margaret Meade

Sexual Abuse

When someone forces unwanted sexual contact on an older adult.

Nursing Home Abuse

When any of form of abuse occurs in an institutional setting such as a nursing home.

We are Taking Action to End Elder Abuse

Learn more about what we do below

RESEARCH

We support ground breaking research that seeks to prevent, detect, and treat the abuse of elders that occurs in community or nursing home settings.

DIRECT SERVICE

We support the creation of innovative programs for communities, hospitals, and nursing homes to serve victims and the people who care about them, and we provide technical support to communities who want to replicate them.

EDUCATION

We educate both the public and professionals on the epidemic of elder abuse and what they can do to prevent or intervene in this most recently recognized form of interpersonal violence.

POLICY

We advocate for evidence-based policies to combat this abuse in several ways, including testimony before governmental bodies and the publication of important papers intended to help legislators and policy makers.