Elder Abuse Prevention

Prevent elder abuse. June 15th is World Elder Abuse Prevention Day.

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. In the United States alone, more than 500,000 older adults are believed to be abused or neglected each year.

These statistics are likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to tell the police, family, or friends about the violence.

Six types of maltreatment occur among persons over the age of 60:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Financial abuse

See Elder Maltreatment: Definitions for more detailed information

http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ElderAbuse/

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