Only 10 percent of substantiated elder abuse cases involve physical abuse.

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. South Dakota In the state of South Dakota, abuse means physical harm, bodily injury, or attempt to cause physical harm or injury, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm or bodily injury on a disabled adult. Exploitation is considered the wrongful taking or exercising of control over property of a disabled adult with intent to defraud him of it. Neglect is defined as harm to a disabled adult's health or welfare, without reasonable medical justification, caused by the conduct of a person responsible for the adult's health or welfare, within the means available for the disabled adult, including the failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter, or medical care. Here are some links for reference on elder abuse in the state of South Dakota: http://legis.state.sd.us/statutes/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=22-46 http://www.state.sd.us/social/ASA/Services/protective/