Elder Abuse: What is it?

Elder Abuse is defined as "any knowing reckless, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver, or any other person, that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult (age 65 and older)"

There are 7 categories of Elder Abuse:

1. Physical Abuse: Threatening or inflicting physical pain or injury on an older adult, or depriving them of a basic need.
2. Emotional Abuse: Inflicting mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.
3. Sexual Abuse: Infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind on an older person, including elders unable to consent due to diminished capacity.
4. Financial Exploitation: Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder, including taking by using undue influence.
5. Neglect: Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder.
6. Abandonment: Desertion of an elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person.
7. Self-neglect: the behavior of an elderly person that threatens his or her own health or safety. A person’s refusal or failure to provide themselves with food, water, clothing, shelter, hygiene, medication and safety precautions. Alcohol abuse, depression, and/or dementia may be contributing factor to self-neglect.

Studies show that between 2-10% of the elderly population have been abused. Data indicates that only one out of every 14 abuse cases is ever reported. Older people, themselves, are often reluctant to report abuse, because of fear, shame, or dependence on the abuser. The unfortunate fact is that the majority of abusers are family members.

Other abusers include caregivers, friends, neighbors, fiduciaries, bankers and lawyers.

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I THINK SOMEONE MAY BE THE VICTIM OF ELDER ABUSE?

You could play an important role for an abused person in your community by reporting suspected abuse.

REMEMBER IT IS NOT YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INVESTIGATE CLAIMS OF ABUSE OR NEGLECT.

Oregon State laws protect the confidentiality of people reporting abuse. You are not required to give your name if you wish to remain anonymous. Any person who reports elder abuse in good faith also has immunity from any civil liability.

IF YOU HAVE A REASONABLE SUSPICION OF ELDER ABUSE CALL 1-800-232-3020 OREGON ELDER ABUSE HOTLINE OR CONTACT YOUR LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCY.