In 90 percent of elder abuse cases, the perpetrator is a family member.

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. New Jersey In New Jersey, abuse means the willful infliction of physical pain, injury or mental anguish; unreasonable confinement; or the willful deprivation of services, which are necessary to maintain a person's physical or mental health. Exploitation means the act or process of using a person or his resources for another person's profit or advantage without legal entitlement to do so. You will note that the word 'neglect' does not appear in the reporting statute or the definitions. That is because the elements of willful neglect of a resident, namely 'willful deprivation of services,' are subsumed in the definition of 'abuse' for purposes of the Ombudsman. Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of New Jersey: http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/mandreprt.shtml http://www.state.nj.us/health/senior/AdultProtectiveServices.pdf