OhioHOPES:
Helping To Protect and Connect Ohio’s Seniors

To protect our seniors from abuse, neglect, fraud and exploitation, it takes knowledge and action. Throughout this website you will find local and state services for the wellbeing of seniors, resources for crime victims and help for caregivers. Many of the initiatives strive to help improve quality of life for older adults while many are safeguarding seniors and providing relief from harm.

Elder Abuse is a Crime

Most physical, sexual and financial/material abuses are considered crimes in all states if they violate statutes prohibiting crimes such as assault, battery, rape, theft, etc. Certain emotional abuse and neglect cases are subject to criminal prosecution depending on the perpetrator’s conduct and intent and the victim’s consequences.

State criminal statutes, adult protective laws and federal statutes, such as Medicare, define and establish penalties for abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults. Justice for elder abuse victims requires continued specialized training for police officers and other first responders, District Attorneys, victim/witness professionals, lawyers and the courts.

If you are being abused or if you think someone you know is being abused or exploited, act now! Don’t delay in taking action to protect yourself or someone else from further abuse, neglect or exploitation. Click on the elder abuse tab above to learn more about the risk factors and signs of abuse.