What is Elder Abuse? Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from state to state, but broadly defined, abuse may be: Physical Abuse - Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need. Emotional Abuse - Inflicting mental pain, anguish, or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts. Sexual Abuse - Non-consensual sexual contact of any kind. Exploitation - Illegal taking, misuse, or concealment of funds, property, or assets of a vulnerable elder. Neglect - Refusal or failure by those responsible to provide food, shelter, health care or protection for a vulnerable elder. Abandonment - The desertion of a vulnerable elder by anyone who has assumed the responsibility for care or custody of that person. Elder abuse can affect people of all ethnic backgrounds and social status and can affect both men and women. This information reprinted by permission from the National Center on Elder Abuse. Please see this site for elder abuse hotlines and more about what you can do to stop elder abuse. Protect and Celebrate our Elders Protect elders from Senior Fraud (FBI)   Celebrate Grandparent's Day, Mother's Day, Father's Day (askacop) Enter a door for Police Officers, Kids, Teens, Parents, Teachers, Articles, Special Offers  Free counters provided by Andale.    Clipart Credit: Clips Ahoy