EPIDEMIOLOGY

Dependent adult abuse and older adult abuse are two of the largest underrecognized and underreported problems within the United States. About 1 in 10 Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse. However, it is estimated that only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported to authorities (NCOA, 2020).

Most states have penalties for abusers of older and dependent adults. Throughout the United States, members of law enforcement and prosecutors are trained on elder abuse and ways to use criminal and civil laws to bring abusers to justice (NCOA, 2020).

Certain data that have been collected by independent researchers illustrates a troubling reality:

  • Dependent adults who experience abuse had a 300% greater risk of death when compared to those who had not been abused.
  • In nearly 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator was a family member; two thirds of perpetrators are adult children or spouses of those who have been abused.
  • Financial abuse and fraud costs for older Americans are estimated at over $36.5 billion annually.
  • Roughly 50% of older individuals with dementia are abused or neglected by caregivers.
    (NCOA, 2020)

Care Facilities

Data on the extent of dependent adult abuse in institutions, nursing homes, and other care facilities are scarce, however, research and surveys suggest high rates of abuse in such facilities (see box).

ABUSE IN CARE FACILITIES

Nursing home abuse is described by the Nursing Home Abuse Center (NHAC) as any type of harm that comes to older adults in long-term care facilities, including physical or emotional injuries, sexual assault, financial exploitation, or other types of abuse.

The NHAC has compiled the following data regarding abuse in nursing homes:

  • Between 2017 and 2018, 1 in 6 adults 60 years of age or older suffered some type of abuse while in a community setting.
  • 2 in 3 nursing home staff members reported that they abused nursing home residents over the past year.
  • Almost 1 out of 3 nursing homes in the United States have been issued citations for abuse.
  • Nursing home abuse is significantly underreported.
    (NHAC, 2020a)

Among Individuals with Disabilities

Research that focuses on abuse of people with disabilities is limited. Unfortunately, there is no definitive research that details how many people with disabilities experience abuse. The research findings that are available suggest that people with disabilities are one of the most harmed groups in the United States.

Available research suggests that people with disabilities are:

  • 3 times more likely to experience violent victimization as adolescents and adults
  • 3 times more likely to experience rape, sexual assault, aggravated assault, and robbery
  • 3 times more likely to be sexually abused as children
  • 1.5 times more likely to experience repeated abuse or neglect as children
    (CVS, 2020)

There are a number of factors that increase the risk of abuse in people with disabilities. Groups at higher risk include:

  • Women with disabilities
  • People with cognitive or developmental disabilities
  • People with psychiatric disabilities
  • People with multiple disabilities
    (CVS, 2020)