Report Elder Abuse, Call The Abuse Hotline At
We work directly with state and community partners to help prevent the abuse, neglection and exploitation of seniors.
“Elder abuse can truly happen to anyone. Research indicates that one in ten American elders is affected by abuse. Unfortunately, elder abuse can happen in all types of relationships as a result of family dynamics, care giver interactions, or targeted scams that prey on vulnerability. Only through YOU can we make progress in changing the statistics and addressing the abuse that is occurring.”
(Source: http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/faq/index.aspx)
Frequently Asked Questions
How widespread is elder abuse and neglect?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, between 700,000 and 3.5 million older adults are abused or neglected in the United States each year. For every case that is reported, fourteen go unreported.
Why be concerned about the issue?
Elder abuse and neglect are crimes. Older adults are our parents, grandparents, friends, neighbors, and heroes. They deserve our respect and care, not mistreatment.
Are there different types of elder abuse and neglect?
Elder abuse may be physical, emotional, financial, or sexual. Neglect may be neglect by a caregiver or self-neglect.
Are there signs of abuse?
Signs of abuse may include obvious physical signs such as bruises or burns, malnutrition or dehydration, and soiled clothing. There are also behavioral signs of abuse. Fear, isolation, withdrawal, hesitancy to speak openly, giving implausible explanations are indicators that there may be a problem.
What can be done?
If you or someone you know is being abused or neglected, call the abuse hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873). Also, keep in contact with older relatives, friends, and neighbors and check on their well-being.
How can I learn more about this issue?
To learn more about the prevention of elder abuse and neglect, contact Patricia Henderson, our Outreach Manager & Community Liaison, at 813-676-5609 or send her an online request by clicking here.
Elder Abuse Information Brochures
In English
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En Español
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Community Resources – Helpful Phone Numbers and Links
To report elder abuse, please contact the Abuse Hotline:
1-800-96-ABUSE
(1-800-962-2873)
For community resources, please contact the Elder Helpline:
1-800-96-ELDER
(1-800-963-5337)
For concerns about nursing homes and assisted living facilities, please contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman:
1-888-831-0404
http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/
For concerns and complaints about insurance, please contact the Florida Department of Financial Services:
1-877-693-5236
http://www.fldfs.com/
To remove your name from telemarketing lists, please contact the Federal Trade Commission’s National Do Not Call Registry:
1-888-382-1222
https://www.donotcall.gov/
To find out if a business or professional is licensed, please contact the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation:
1-850-487-1395
http://www.myfloridalicense.com/
For assistance with legal issues, please contact the Senior Legal Helpline:
1-888-895-7873
For TDD hearing impaired, please contact:
Elder Abuse Hotline number 1-800-453-5145
Elder Helpline number 1-800-955-8771