Elder abuse is a currently a huge problem in the United States. It is said that over two million Americans are victims of some form of elder abuse each year.

Statistically only 20% of acts of Elder Abuse are reported.

Elder Abuse is the knowing, intentional, single or repeated act of mistreatment or neglect by a caretaker or any other person that causes harm and/or emotional distress.

There are many forms of elder abuse but are not limited to:

• Physical Abuse- The act of inflicting physical pain or injury by hitting, punching, burning, pushing, kicking, under/over medicating etc.


• Emotional Abuse- The treatment of people that causes emotional pain and distress. Abuse by shouting, swearing, humiliation etc.


• Sexual Abuse- Is the act of having sexual contact with an elder without the consent of that elder. Acts such as forcing an elder to undress, forcing the elder to watch sexual acts are considered sexual elder abuse.


• Neglect- is the responsibility of a caretaker to provide care for a victim who is unable to care for themselves, but fails to provide adequate care to meet the victim's needs, which in turn results in the demise of victim, sometimes resulting in death. Failure to provide food, shelter, health care etc. are acts of neglect. About 1/2 of all reported cases of elder abuse are acts of neglect.


• Exploitation- The unauthorized use or concealment of an elder’s funds and/or property by a caretaker or any other person. Types of exploitation are as follows but not limited to:
  
  
  • - unauthorized use of an elder’s check, credit cards and/or bank accounts
  • - forgery of elder’s signature
  • - acts of identity theft
  • - stealing of cash, check or property of elder

If you have any questions please contact the Peck Law Group toll free at (866) 999-9085.