Report Elder Abuse
Call The Abuse Hotline At
1-800-96-ABUSE
(1-800-962-2873)
We work directly with state and community partners to help prevent the abuse, neglection and exploitation of seniors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How widespread is elder abuse and neglect?
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, 1 in 10 community-dwelling older adults experiences abuse every year, and only 1 in 24 cases is reported.
Why be concerned about the issue?
Elder abuse and neglect are crimes, as well as public health issues. 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 and Community Services Manager, 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)
https://www.myflfamilies.com/services/abuse/abuse-hotline
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
https://ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/
For concerns and complaints about insurance, please contact the Florida Department of Financial Services:
1-877-693-5236
https://www.myfloridacfo.com/
For TDD hearing impaired, please contact:
Elder Abuse Hotline number 1-800-453-5145
Elder Helpline number 1-800-955-8771
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