Two-thirds of elder abuse is committed by spouses or adult children.

Overview What is elder abuse? Signs of abuse Myths about elder abuse Rights of vulnerable adults Maintaining connections Current laws Legislative updates Laws by state Articles of interest COMMON FORMS OF ABUSE Many people mistakenly assume that only battered paople are abused. → More TAKE ACTION "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."             Dr. Margaret Mead Gary A. Jones When Gary Jones became sick with terminal cancer, his caregiver denied him visitation with his children. → More Click on a state to begin. The current laws in that state will be displayed below. Arkansas The state of Arkansas defines vulnerable adults as: An adult eighteen (18) years of age or older who is found to be in a situation or condition which poses an imminent risk of death or serious bodily harm to that person and who demonstrates the lack of capacity to comprehend the nature and consequences of remaining in that situation or condition. OR A person eighteen (18) years or older who, as a result of mental or physical impairment, is unable to protect himself/herself from abuse, sexual abuse, neglect or exploitation and as a consequence thereof is endangered. Arkansas defines adult abuse as exploitation, neglect, physical abuse or sexual abuse. Here's how Arkansas describes these forms of abuse: Exploitation means the illegal or unauthorized use or management of an endangered or impaired adult's funds, assets or property or the use of an endangered or impaired adult's person, power of attorney or guardianship for the profit or advantage of himself, herself or another. Neglect means acts or omissions by an endangered or impaired person, for example, self-neglect; or purposeful acts or omissions by a caregiver responsible for the care and supervision of an endangered or impaired adult which constitute negligently failing to: Provide necessary treatment, rehabilitation, care, food, clothing, shelter, supervision or medical services to an endangered or impaired adult. Report health problems or changes in health problems or changes in the health condition of an endangered or impaired adult to the appropriate medical personnel. Carry out a prescribed treatment plan. Provide goods and services necessary to avoid physical harm, mental anguish or mental illness as defined in regulations promulgated by the Office of Long-Term Care of the Division of Medical Services of the Department of Health and Human Services to an adult resident of a long-term care facility. Physical abuse means physical injury, the impairment of a physical condition or the infliction of substantial pain. Sexual abuse means deviate sexual activity, sexual contact or sexual intercourse, as those terms are defined in § 5-14-101, with another person who is incapable of consent because he or she is mentally defective, mentally incapacitated or physically helpless, as those terms are defined in § 5-14-101. Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of Arkansas: http://www.aradultprotection.com/ http://www.arkleg.state.ar.us (search adult abuse)