What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is when an elder is harmed, mistreated, or neglected by a person they trust.
Typically, elder abuse is committed by family members and caregivers and occurs in the home or care facility.
Elder abuse is a crime. RI law protects older adults — anyone over 60 — from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
All Rhode Islanders are required by law to report known or suspected elder abuse.
Older adults have the right to live free from abuse.
Types of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can include acts of physical, sexual, psychological and emotional abuse, as well as financial exploitation, neglect and withholding of basic needs. It is common for victims to experience more than one form of abuse.
Physical Abuse
Physical abuse is physical force that results in bodily injury, pain, or impairment. It includes assault, battery, and inappropriate restraints, reported drug overdose or confinement.
Know the Signs
- Unexplained fractures, bruises, or cuts
- Broken glasses
- Failure to give medication
- Signs of restraints
- Refusal of caregiver to allow you to see the elder alone
Sexual Abuse
Sexual abuse is non-consensual sexual contact of any kind with an older person.
Know the Signs
- Bruises around breasts or genitals
- Unexplained venereal disease or genital infections
- Unexplained vaginal or anal bleeding
- Torn, stained, or bloody underwear
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is an escalating pattern of violence by an intimate partner where the violence is used to exercise power and control.
Know the Signs
- Name calling or disrespect
- Blaming
- Stalking
- Isolation
- Economic control
Psychological Abuse
Psychological abuse is the willful infliction of mental or emotional anguish by threat, humiliation, or isolation.
Know the Signs
- Threatening, belittling, or controlling caregiver that you witness
- Elder behavior such as rocking, sucking, or mumbling to oneself
- Verbal or nonverbal conduct
Verbal Abuse
Verbal abuse is the willful infliction of unjustifiable mental suffering through word and body language.
Know the Signs
- Insults or humiliation
- Threats as attempts to scare
- Isolation
- Control
Financial Abuse
Financial abuse is the illegal or improper use of an older person’s funds, property, or resources.
Know the Signs
- Misuse of elder’s checks, credit cards, or accounts
- Stolen cash, income checks, or household goods
- Forged elder’s signature
- Identity theft
- Improper use of power of attorney
Intentional Neglect
Intentional neglect is the failure of a caregiver to fulfill his or her care giving responsibilities.
Know the Signs
- Dehydration
- Malnutrition
- Untreated medical problems like bed sores
- Unsanitary living conditions like dirt, bugs, soiled bedding and clothes
- Abandonment