Violence Against Women

Signs of Elder Abuse

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Unfortunately, as the numbers of elderly people grow in our country, so do the cases of elder abuse. Elderly people can be abused in their homes, in the home of a caregiver, or in an institution like a nursing home. If the elderly person you love, live with, or take care of has any of these signs of abuse, it's time to get them help.

Type of Elder Abuse	Signs
Physical abuse - hitting, slapping, beating, pushing, shoving, kicking, pinching, and burning.	Bruises, black eyes. Marks on body like welts, cuts, and open wounds. Sprains, dislocations (like a shoulder), or broken bones. Injuries that are healing but were never treated. Rope marks or burns on hands and feet (could mean an elder has been tied up or restrained). Broken eyeglasses or frames. Sudden change in behavior. Not wanting to be alone with caregiver. Caregiver not letting anyone visit the elder alone. Running out of prescription medicine too quickly or having prescription medicine that looks like it is not being taken like it should be (bottle too full). The elder tells you he or she is being physically hurt.
Emotional or psychological abuse - verbal assaults, threats, intimidation, harassment, isolating elder from regular activities, family, and friends.	Being in an upset or agitated state. Becoming withdrawn and not wanting to talk or interact with anyone. Unusual behavior like rocking, biting, or sucking (usually thought to be symptoms of dementia). The elder person tells you he or she is being mistreated.
Sexual assault and abuse - any sexual contact that is not agreed to by the elder like unwanted touching and all types of sexual assault.	Bruises on or around the breasts or genitals. Unexplained sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs) or vaginal or anal bleeding. Torn, stained, or bloody underwear. The elder person tells you he or she is sexually assaulted or raped.
Neglect - not taking proper care of an elder, including physical care (food, clothing, shelter, medicine, personal hygiene) and financial care (not paying for living arrangements, care, and other bills).	Poor hygiene, dehydration, malnutrition, bed sores that aren't being treated (if bedridden). Health problems that aren't being treated. Unsafe living conditions (no heat, electricity or water, faulty wiring). Poor living conditions (dirt, fleas, soiled bedding, clothes and bedding smelling like urine/feces, improper clothing, lice on the elder). The elder person tells you he or she is being neglected.

If you're a victim of abuse or violence at the hands of someone you know or love or you are recovering from an assault by a stranger, you are not alone. Get immediate help and support.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-799-SAFE (7233) and 800-787-3224 (TTY). Spanish speakers are available. When you call, you will first hear a recording and may have to hold. Hotline staff offer crisis intervention and referrals. If requested, they connect women to shelters and can send out written information.

The National Sexual Assault Hotline can be reached 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 800-656-4673. When you call, you will hear a menu and can choose #1 to talk to a counselor. You will then be connected to a counselor in your area who can help you. You can also visit the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

Content last updated September 1, 2007.