Ron Freitas
District Attorney
District Attorney
Elder and dependent adult abuse refers to intentional actions that cause harm or create a serious risk of harm (whether or not harm is intended) to a vulnerable person by a caregiver or other person who stands in a trust relationship
with the elder. It also includes failure by a caregiver to satisfy the person's basic needs or to protect them from harm.
Elder and dependent adult abuse is a serious and widespread problem that affects millions of older and dependent adults around the world. It is often underreported due to the vulnerability of older and dependent adults and the power dynamics that may exist in relationships with perpetrators. Elder and dependent adult abuse can have serious physical and emotional consequences for victims, including physical injuries, psychological trauma, and social isolation.
Preventing elder or dependent adult abuse involves promoting the well-being and rights of older and dependent adults and supporting them to live with dignity and respect. This can be achieved through education, advocacy, and supporting victims and survivors. It is also important for individuals, families, and communities to recognize the signs of elder and dependent adult abuse and to report it to the authorities or to a trusted organization that can provide help and support.
If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of elder or dependent adult abuse, it is important to report it to the authorities or to a trusted organization that can provide help and support.
Physical abuse is the infliction of harm or injury on a dependent or elder adult person by someone who stands in a position of trust, or who has care or custody of the elder or dependent person. Physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment may include, but is not limited to:
Financial abuse is using the elder or dependent adult's money or assets contrary to their wishes, needs, or best interests, or for the abuser's personal gain. It may also be accomplished by undue influence. Undue influence is when a person in a position of trust, coerces a vulnerable elder into giving away or loaning money or property, either directly, or through a trust, marriage, inheritance, or adoption.
Undue influence refers to a situation where a person manipulates or takes advantage of another individual, causing the influenced individual to act otherwise than by their own free will or without adequate attention to the consequences. When someone exerts undue influence over a dependent adult, they manipulate the vulnerable individual's decisions or actions to their own benefit.
Psychological or emotional abuse towards an elder or dependent adult refers to actions or behaviors that inflict distress, mental pain, fear, or distress. This form of abuse is often characterized by a person acting in a way to control, isolate, or frighten a dependent adult. The abuse can be verbal or nonverbal and may include the following:
It's important to note that psychological and emotional abuse can be very subtle and may not leave visible scars, but its effects can be just as harmful as physical abuse, if not more so. It can lead to serious emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other mental health problems.
Neglect occurs when a caregiver denies an elder or dependent adult food, medication, proper clothing or hygiene, or medical attention. Neglect includes, but is not limited to: