World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15

If you know an adult age 60 or older in need of protective services, call 610-490-1300

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention identify Elder abuse as an intentional act or failure to act that causes or creates a risk of harm to an adult age 60 or older. The abuse often occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person the elder trusts. Common types of elder abuse include:

Physical abuse is when an elder experiences illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress, or death because of the intentional use of physical force and includes acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and burning.

Sexual abuse involves forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an older adult. This may include unwanted sexual contact or penetration or non-contact acts such as sexual harassment.

Emotional or Psychological Abuse refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress on an older adult. Examples include humiliation or disrespect, verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, and geographic or interpersonal isolation.

Neglect or Abandonment is the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs. These needs include food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care.

Financial Abuse is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, benefits, belongings, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the older adult.

COSA’s Protective Services Program investigates confidential reports of abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, or abandonment of county residents aged 60 or older. Services are initiated to protect victims, stop abuse, and prevent future incidents.

Reports can be made anonymously 24/7 and confidentiality is assured in all cases. If you believe someone needs protective services, contact COSA at 610-490-1300.

After business hours, please call 610-622-9284. For more information in Delaware County, contact the Delaware County District Attorney’s Senior Exploitation Unit or visit the PA Department of Aging website at Report Elder Abuse.