Elder Abuse
Elder Abuse Services
From the Georgia Division of Aging Services: Abuse of at-risk adults occurs when someone intentionally causes harm or puts someone at risk for harm. Neglect occurs when someone intentionally or unknowingly withholds basic necessities or care.
Self-neglect refers to a person’s inability to provide care and support to himself or herself.
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706-632-8400
Or, call the National Hotline at 1-800-656-4673
If you would like to speak to someone about elder abuse, don’t hesitate to call us.
At-risk adult abuse can take several forms, including:
Physical Abuse
Using physical force to coerce or to inflict bodily harm. It often, but not always, causes physical discomfort, pain or injury. It may include the willful deprivation of essential services, such as medical care, food or water.
Emotional Abuse
Using tactics, such as harassment, insults, intimidation, isolation or threats that cause mental or emotional anguish. It diminishes the person’s sense of identity, dignity, and self worth.
Sexual Assault
Any kind of sexual behavior directed towards an at-risk adult without the person’s full knowledge and consent. A spouse, partner, family member or other trusted person can perpetrate sexual abuse.
Financial Abuse or Exploitation
Improperly or illegally using a person’s resources for the benefit of another person, for example, using a Power of Attorney to gain access to an adult’s assets for personal gain or using undue influence, false representation and other means to gain access to an adult’s monthly government checks.
Neglect
Occurs when a caregiver refuses or fails to provide essential services (food, water, shelter, medical care, etc.) to the degree that it harms or threatens to harm an older and/or disabled adult.
Self Neglect
Failing to perform essential self-care such as depriving oneself of necessities such as food, water, or medication. Consciously putting oneself in harm’s way or being unable to handle needs of day-to-day living because of medical, mental health or other disabilities. Self-neglect is not a crime.
Elder Abuse Statistics
- Approximately one in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse
- Estimates range as high as five million elders who are abused each year
- Estimated that only one in 24cases of abuse are reported to authorities
- In almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member
- Two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses
- Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated
*Statistics provided by Nation Council on Aging*
GBI Roll Call
Watch the Georgia Bureau “Roll Call” video to learn more about elder abuse and how to respond as a family member, friend, member of law enforcement, or social service advocate.
WARNING: Video Has Graphic Content
Resources
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