The Power to Prevent Elder Abuse


  • No one has the right to hit you, to treat you like a child, or to humiliate you.

  • No one has the right to take your money or your property.

  • Elders have rights, autonomy, and deserve to be treated with respect.

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What is Abuse?


Physical Abuse:

Pushing, striking, slapping, kicking, pinching, restraining, shaking, beating, burning, hitting, shoving or other
acts that can cause harm to an elder.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse:

Verbal berating, harassment, intimidation, threats of punishment or deprivation, criticism, demeaning comments, coercive behavior or isolation from loved ones.

Self-neglect:

When individuals fail to provide themselves with whatever is necessary to prevent physical or emotional harm or pain.

Financial or Material Exploitation:

Improper use of an elder’s funds, property, or assets; cashing checks without permission; forging signatures; forcing or deceiving an older person into signing a document; using an ATM/debit card without permission.

Sexual Abuse:

Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind including assault or battery, rape, sodomy, coerced nudity or sexually explicit photography.

Signs of Abuse


Physical signs may include:

  • cuts, scratches, or puncture wounds
  • burns
  • bruises
  • welts
  • dehydration or malnutrition
  • poor coloration
  • sunken eyes or cheeks
  • soiled clothing or bedding
  • lack of necessities such as food, water, or utilities

Behavioral signs may include:

  • fear or anxiety
  • agitation
  • anger
  • isolation
  • withdrawal
  • depression
  • resignation
  • ambivalence
  • contradictory statements
  • implausible stories
  • hesitation to talk openly
  • confusion or disorientation

Contacts


Elder Abuse Hotline 24-hour: 

1-800-962-2873)

TDD:

1-800-453-5145

Domestic Violence Hotline 24-hour:

1-800-500-1119

Elder Helpline:

1-800-963-5337

TDD:

1-800-955-8771

Fraud Hotline:

1-800-378-0445

National Fraud Information Center:

1-800-876-7060

Florida Senior Legal Helpline:

1-888-895-7873

Long-Term Care Ombudsman:

1-888-831-0404

Division of Consumer Services:

1-800-435-7352

Financial Services:

1-800-342-2762

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