Elder abuse, also known as elder mistreatment, generally refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act that causes harm or creates a serious risk of harm to an older person by a family member, caregiver, or other person in a trust relationship.
In his 2021 remarks on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland states,
"For too long, elderly people have faced abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Even before the beginning of the worst pandemic in more than a century, a study supported by the Justice Department’s National Institute of Justice found that at least one in 10 older Americans are victims of some form of elder abuse each year."
Learn more about the OVC’s efforts to address elder fraud and abuse and provide services for the victims. This site also offers publications, resources, and training and technical assistance related to elder fraud and abuse.
National Elder Fraud Hotline
OVC supports the National Elder Fraud Hotline. Call 833-FRAUD-11 (833-372-8311) to receive help from a hotline case manager.
Elder Justice Initiative
The U.S. Department of Justice's Elder Justice Initiative supports and coordinates the Department’s efforts to combat elder abuse, neglect, and financial fraud that target our Nation’s seniors.
Identification of and Response to Elder Fraud Victims
In FY 2020, OVC awarded $2 million to the National White Collar Crime Center to provide enhance law enforcement's ability to identify older victims of fraud, connect those victims with available services, and bring the fraudsters to justice.
VOCA–Funded Elder Abuse Programs
Learn about state and local elder abuse programs supported with Victims of Crime Act funding.