Because family members are the primary abusers violence focused on elders is often considered family business, and often not treated as a serious crime.

In the majority of cases, the perpetrator is a family member or caregiver.Family shelters often do not meet the needs of elders and therefore hotels become the only viable option for the elder. The offender knows this reality, and often capitalizes on the elder's fear of being alone or institutionalized.

In the majority of cases, the perpetrator is a family member or caregiver. Often this person is the primary connection the elder has to the community. By reporting abuse, the elder stands to lose his/her sole support.

It is estimated that approximately only one out of every 14 cases of elder abuse is reported. We know from experience that elders are afraid that if they report the abuse, the little support they have will be gone.

We know that victims of abuse are three times more likely to die in the next decade than those in the same age group who have not been victimized.

Each year in Maine, approximately 12,000 seniors are abused (based on 5% of the population 60 years of age and older). It is projected that in five years this number will double. This does not include financial abuse or neglect.

Currently 14% of Maine's population is 65 and older.
It is estimated that by 2030, that percentage will increase to 27%. About 60% of our elders are women.