How to Press Elder Abuse Charges

Elder abuse is a growing problem. Between crooked assisted living homes or neglectful family members, an increasing number of America's senior citizens are exposed to living conditions that are harmful and in some cases deadly. Before you can press elder abuse charges, you'll first have to learn to recognize the warning signs associated with different forms of elder abuse.

Instructions

Understand the Different Forms of Elder Abuse

1. Inspect for the signs of physical abuse. This is the easiest form of elder abuse to detect and combat. Look for bruises, welts or signs that an elderly person has been struck of forcefully restrained.

2. Audit checking and savings accounts for signs of unauthorized purchases or withdrawals. Many impaired elderly citizens have difficulty managing their finances without the assistance of a caretaker, exposing them to the threat of financial abuse. Check to see if credit cards or wills have been altered to include third parties.

3. Ask senior citizens if they've been subjected to taunts, humiliation or other forms of psychological abuse. This form of abuse can be just as dangerous as others since it can break an elderly person's resolve to protect themselves from financial or physical abuse.

4. Look for the warning signs of neglect. Neglect can encompass everything from denying food, water or adequate heating and air conditioning. The long-term effects of neglect can contribute to sickness or even death.

5. Watch out for sexual abuse. Shockingly, sexual abuse of elders happens in nursing homes, assisted-living situations or even to seniors living on their own. Sexual abuse includes all forms of unwanted sexual behavior, from intercourse to sexually suggestive conversations.

Press Charges Against Those Who Commit Elder Abuse

1. Remove an elder abuse victim from her abuser's care. Contact family members to find a safe home while elder abuse charges are made.

2. Interview the abuse victim to learn specifics of his mistreatment. This can be a humiliating, shameful experience for an abuse victim. Be sensitive to his needs as you discover the depth of his abuse.

3. Call your local police department and report the cases of elder abuse. Volunteer any information you've uncovered about the nature of the abuse. Work hand in hand with law enforcement officials to press charges and make sure they stick.

4. Report isolated cases of elder abuse to non-profit organizations like the Administration on Aging to see if they can help you press charges (see Resources below). Non-profits might be able to guide you through the prosecution process and help you get in touch with a lawyer who has experience trying elder abuse cases.

Tips & Warnings

• Laws against elder abuse can vary between different states. A form of abuse such as self-neglect or denial of constitutional rights can legally qualify as elder abuse in some areas.

Resources

• Administration on Aging's elder abuse hotline