Elder Abuse

Elder abuse can take many forms: physical, sexual or psychological maltreatment, neglect or financial abuse. And because victims of elder abuse are most likely to be victimized in their home by a relative, the number of reported cases (one in 10 healthy adults over 60) may be a fraction of what the older population experiences.

See also: Mickey Rooney claims elder abuse.

One in ten healthy adults over 60 are victims of elder abuse. — Photo by: Vetta/Getty Images

Inside E Street visits an innovative and pioneering forensic elder abuse center at the University of California Irvine Medical Center that is helping authorities distinguish between normal bruises and those inflicted by abuse. Of those victims living with relatives and suffering from dementia, a startling 47 percent are abused or neglected. 

Lark McCarthy talks to Marie-Therese Connolly, an advocate for elders and a leading scholar in elder abuse issues. She is the director of Lifelong Justice, and in 2011 received a “Genius Grant” award from the Macarthur Foundation for her work on elder abuse. 

Also of interest: Quiz — Elder financial abuse.