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. Oregon In Oregon, abuse means one or more of the following: Any physical injury caused by other than accidental means, or which appears to be at variance with the explanation given of the injury. Neglect that leads to physical harm through withholding of services necessary to maintain health and well-being. Abandonment, including desertion or willful forsaking of an elderly person or the withdrawal or neglect of duties and obligations owed an elderly person by a caretaker or other person. Willful infliction of physical pain or injury. Use of derogatory or inappropriate names, phrases or profanity, ridicule, harassment, coercion, threats, cursing, intimidation or inappropriate sexual comments or conduct of such a nature as to threaten significant physical or emotional harm to the elderly person or person with disabilities. Causing any sweepstakes promotion to be mailed to an elderly person or a person with disabilities who had received sweepstakes promotional material in the United States mail, spent more than $500 in the preceding year on any sweepstakes promotions, or any combination of sweepstakes promotions from the same service, regardless of the identities of the originators of the sweepstakes promotion and who represented to the court that the person felt the need for the court's assistance to prevent the person from incurring further expense. Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of Oregon: http://www.leg.state.or.us/ors/124.html http://www.co.washington.or.us/deptmts/aging/docs/taskforc.pdf http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spwpd/abuse/home.shtml