Like other forms of family violence, abuse of older adults is often cloaked in silence. Disclosing abuse is terrifying but keeping it hidden permits cruelty and neglect to thrive. Too often the abuse and neglect of older adults is not readily identified by service providers, community or family members.

Unlike children who leave home to attend school, older adults may remain or be confined to a place where mistreatment goes undetected. Many older adults may believe that abuse by a caregiver is their fault and are ashamed to disclose what is happening to them.

Whether you are being abused or are an “outsider” afraid to “pry” into the affairs of others, there are safe places to turn that will support you in your disclosure.