Elder Abuse Prevention

A woman stands in front of a crowd of older adults and is speaking into a microphone.
A man stands in the front of a crowded room while speaking into a microphone.
A woman stands in the front of a room speaking into a microhpone.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023

Every June, ElderSource takes part in the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day observations. The purpose of “WEAAD” is to provide an opportunity to promote a better understanding of abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults.

In addition to co-hosting a virtual event this year, we also hosted a special in-person event at the Mandarin Senior Center titled, “Spotting the Scam: How to Prevent and Report Elder Abuse.” Older adults had the opportunity to hear from AARP, the Consumer Protection Division at the Florida Attorney General’s Office, and Action News Jax news anchor Tenikka Hughes. Our speakers covered topics ranging from romance scams, grandparent scams, how to spot a government imposter and more. We would like to thank CBS47 FOX30 Action News Jax for covering our event!
 

Report Elder Abuse, Call The Abuse Hotline at:

 

 

1(800)96-ABUSE : 1(800)962-2873

Elder abuse can occur in many forms including physical, mental, emotional, sexual or financial exploitation. Neglect can be in the form of self-neglect or neglect by a caregiver. Elder abuse can also occur in all types of relationships including: family members, hired caregivers, or targeted scams that prey on the vulnerability of older adults. With your help we can make progress in addressing and preventing future abuse.

Elderly woman holding her hands together tight

If you need to report a suspicion of elder abuse, call Florida Abuse Hotline at 1(800)96-ABUSE : 1(800)962-2873.
Press 1 to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation of the elderly or a vulnerable adult. This toll free number is available 24/7.

TDD (Telephone Device for the Deaf): 1(800)453-5145.
By Fax: To make a report via fax, please send a detailed written report with your name and contact telephone to
1(800)914-0004.

Frequently Asked Questions

How widespread is elder abuse and neglect?

According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, between 700,000 and 3.5 million older adults are abused or neglected in the United States each year.  For every case that is reported, fourteen go unreported.

Why be concerned about the issue?

Elder abuse and neglect are crimes. Older adults are our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and heroes. They deserve our respect and care, not mistreatment.

Are there different types of elder abuse and neglect?

Elder abuse may be physical, emotional, financial, or sexual.  Neglect may be neglect by a caregiver or self-neglect.

Are there signs of abuse?

Signs of abuse may include obvious physical signs such as bruises or burns, malnutrition or dehydration, and soiled clothing.  There are also behavioral signs of abuse. Fear, isolation, withdrawal, hesitancy to speak openly, giving implausible explanations are indicators that there may be a problem.

What can be done?

If you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, call the abuse hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873).  Also, keep in contact with older relatives, friends, and neighbors and check on their well-being.

Elder Abuse Information Brochures

Community Resources

Helpful Phone Numbers and Links

ElderSource Institute offers an online elder abuse training course. Click here to sign-up!

For TDD hearing impaired, please contact

Elder Abuse Hotline number: 1(800)453-5145 / Elder Helpline number: 1(800)955-8771

To Report Fraud

Fraud Hotline:
1(800)378-0445

National Fraud Information Center: 1(800)876-7060
  • The Department of Justice has an interactive tool for elders who have been financially exploited to help determine to which agency they should report their incident, and also a senior scam alert website.
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Internet Crime Complaint Center receives complaints at this website or by calling 1(800)225-5324.
  • The Federal Trade Commission has a website and a phone number 1(877)382-4357 where victims can file complaints that then are made available to law enforcement.
  • The Administration for Community Living, part of the Department of Health and Human Services, has an excellent resource for finding services specifically for elders and their families.
  • The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau website has information on how to protect older adults from fraud and financial exploitation.