Under the law, elder abuse can occur in any setting. Most cases arise out of nursing homes which are understaffed, and the staff that exists is poorly trained.

Child abuse occur in the place where it is least expected; home, and from adults entrusted for the care of children; parents or guardians. In many cases, if the abuser is not a parent/guardian, s/he is certainly known to the child, especially in the case of sexual abuse.

In 2007, there are approximately 2 million people with limb loss in the United States (excluding fingers and toes). There are more than 185,000 new amputations preformed each year in this country. The prevalence rate in 1996 was 4.9 per 1,000 persons. The incidence rate was 46.2 per 100,000 persons with dysvascular disease, 5.86 per 100,000 persons secondary to trauma, 0.35 per 100,000 secondary to malignancy of a bone or joint. The birth prevalence of congenital limb deficiency in 1996 was 25.

Elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a vulnerable adult. The specificity of laws varies from state to state, but broadly defined, abuse may be: Physical Abuse - Inflicting, or threatening to inflict, physical pain or injury on a vulnerable elder, or depriving them of a basic need.

Elder abuse is a term that refers to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm, or a serious risk of harm, to a vulnerable adult. In California, anyone age 65 or older is protected by a special set of laws called The Elder Adult and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act ("The Elder Abuse Act"), which is a powerful set of laws designed to help prevent neglect and abuse to California seniors. (Welf & I C 15600 et seq.

Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines -- such as doctors and home health providers -- to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Under the laws of eight states, "any person" is required to report a suspicion of mistreatment. If the danger is not immediate, but you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone.

Educating seniors, professionals, caregivers, and the public on abuse is critical to prevention. On an individual level, some simple but vital steps to reduce the risk: Seek professional help for drug, alcohol, and depression concerns, and urge family members to get help for these problems. Plan for your own future. With a power of attorney or a living will, health care decisions can be addressed to avoid confusion and family problems, should you become incapacitated.

the national level, Elder Justice Act legislation has recently been proposed to provide federal leadership to help reduce elder abuse. The Elder Justice Coalition is working to help pass the Elder Justice Act S. 333. Community collaborations, meanwhile, are playing an increasingly important role in educating the public and professionals. In recent years, State Attorneys General offices and law enforcement have stepped up efforts to prosecute.

Physical, emotional, sexual and spiritual abuse can all occur. Physical abuse can occur as beatings, electroshock, torture, confinement, forced ingestion of drugs, blood, and feces. Emotional abuse involves trickery, deceit, and blaming the victim. Sadistic sex with children and non-consenting adults and forced perpetration of sexual abuse are forms that sexual abuse can take.

Anger is a normal and healthy emotion and does not cause abuse. Even though abusers can be anger at times, abuse happens when an individual chooses manipulative, threatening or physically violent behavior to gain power and control over another individual. Abusive tactics may occur without any anger evident in the abuser. Some mental illnesses may have challenging or violent behaviors as one of their symptoms.

Each one of us has a responsibility to keep vulnerable elders safe from harm. The laws in most states require helping professions in the front lines -- such as doctors, nurses, and home health providers -- to report suspected abuse or neglect. These professionals are called mandated reporters. Call the Police or 911 immediately if someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger.

Educating seniors, professionals, caregivers, and the public on abuse is critical to prevention. Reporting suspected abuse is also extremely important. Moreover, filing lawsuits against the perpetrators of elder abuse can be one of the biggest deterrents to a neglectful or bad nursing home or long term care facility.

While one sign does not necessarily indicate abuse, some tell-tale signs that there could be a problem are: Bruises, pressure marks, broken bones, abrasions, and burns may be an indication of physical abuse, neglect, or mistreatment. Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression may be indicators of emotional abuse. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.

It is difficult to say how many older Americans are abused, neglected, or exploited, in large part because surveillance is limited and the problem remains greatly hidden. Findings from the often cited National Elder Abuse Incidence Study suggest that more than 500,000 Americans aged 60 and over were victims of domestic abuse in 1996. This study also found that only 16 percent of the abusive situations are referred for help - 84 percent remain hidden.