Did You Know?
- About 80% of abuse or neglect of older adults is hidden or goes undetected. Only about one in five cases of abuse come to the attention of community agencies or authorities.
- Abuse is not limited to older adults of any particular culture, ethnic group, social background, or religion.
- Spousal abuse can “grow old.' It can start earlier in a relationship and continue into later life.
- Older women are the victims in about two-thirds of the cases of abuse or neglect that come to the attention of community agencies.
- Between 44% and 62% of abused older adults experience some level of depression. Up to 6% of abused older adults become severely depressed.
- Living with abuse and neglect can also significantly increase the person's chances of becoming ill or may make other health problems worse.
