The statistics of abuse to the elderly are alarming; one in every ten people over the age of 60 are victims of abuse in the U.S. In Maricopa County, the number of reports of abuse this year has already surpassed the numbers from 2022.

“Protecting the rights of the most vulnerable in our community is a priority of my administration,” said County Attorney Rachel Mitchell. “The abuse cases that we see here at MCAO come in the form of scams, fraud, and in some cases, physical abuse perpetrated by someone known to the victim. It is important that we know this type of abuse exists so that it gets reported to law enforcement.”

The following is some statistical data as it pertains to Maricopa County:

• One in ten Americans aged 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.
• Women and those over the age of 80 are more likely to experience abuse as well as those with physical and health conditions. Two out of every three victims are women.
• 90% of abusers are known to the victim and in almost 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member.
• According to Adult Protective Services data, there were 25,468 individual reports of vulnerable adult maltreatment in fiscal year 2022 – the highest number in the past five fiscal years.
• In 2022, there were 14,805 reports in Maricopa County. So far this year, there have been 15,987 reports Maricopa County and 30,690 in the state. You can find more data here: https://des.az.gov/APSData.

If you think your elderly friend or relative has been victimized, please report it to law enforcement immediately. You can call 9-1-1, or report through one of these agencies:

• AAA Region One Senior Helpline, call or text 24/7: 602-264-2255.
• Adult Protective Services Hotline, 7 am to 7 pm, M-F: 1-877-SOS-ADULT 1-877-767-2385
• Eldercare Locator: 1-800-677-1116.
• File a report with the State of Arizona online here.