According to the National Council on Aging, approximately 1 in 10 Americans age 60 or over has experienced some form of elder abuse, but studies estimate that only 1 in 14 cases are reported to authorities.

As the U.S. Department of Justice Elder Justice Initiative research has found, this number is likely an underestimate because many victims are unable or afraid to report to report the abuse, or are not sure who to turn to for help. According to some studies, financial exploitation of older Americans is among the most common forms, and the increasing sophistication of scams and fraud targeting older people is exacerbating this issue.

Meaningful and timely access to legal interventions can help break the cycle of abuse, regain stability for the affected individual, and protect them from abuse in future. Watch our Aging Safely webinar series for more information about how legal services can be a crucial component of elder care, and to learn about new technology-supported strategies to help better identify, respond to and remedy elder abuse and financial exploitation.

Visit the sections below for links to additional resources and information on elder abuse, neglect and financial exploitation from leading sources.