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