Elder Abuse Prevention

Prevent elder abuse. June 15th is World Elder Abuse Prevention Day

Elder abuse is a significant public health problem. Each year, hundreds of thousands of adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected, or financially exploited. Elder abuse, including neglect and exploitation, is experienced by 1 out of every 10 people, ages 60 and older, who live at home. This statistic is likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to disclose or report the violence.

The following six types of maltreatment occur among persons over the age of 60.

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Neglect
• Abandonment
• Financial abuse

See Elder Abuse Definitions for more detailed information.

Working to Prevent Elder Abuse

CDC works to prevent violence before it occurs. Our prevention activities include:

• Documenting the extent of the problem.
• Conducting research on the factors that put people at risk or that protect them from violence.
• Creating and evaluating the effectiveness of prevention programs.
• Helping state and local partners plan, implement, and evaluate prevention programs.
• Conducting research on the effective adoption and dissemination of prevention strategies.