Victims of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are three times more likely to die at an earlier age.

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. Ohio In Ohio, abuse means the infliction upon an adult by self or others of injury, unreasonable confinement, intimidation, or cruel punishment with resulting physical harm, pain, or mental anguish. The state of Ohio defines abuse as follows: Physical abuse includes pushing, hitting, slapping, pinching and other ways of physically harming a person. It also can mean incorrect positioning, force-feeding, restraining or giving medication without their knowledge. Sexual abuse includes rape or other unwanted sexual contact, but it can also mean forced or coerced nudity, exhibitionism and other non-touching sexual situations. Exploitation is the unlawful or improper act of a caretaker using an adult or his resources for monetary or personal benefit, profit or gain. Emotional abuse occurs when an elderly person is threatened, humiliated, intimidated or otherwise psychologically hurt. Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of Ohio: http://jfs.ohio.gov/factsheets/protective.pdf http://www.ocapsohio.org/corner.html http://jfs.ohio.gov/ocf/.../executivesummary.pdf