How can I report elder abuse?
If you suspect on-going physical or fiduciary abuse of an elder, call 949-724-7200. In-progress physical abuse should be reported on 911.

Physical abuse of an elder is defined as: Every person who, under circumstances and conditions likely to produce great bodily harm or death, willfully and unlawfully inflicts on an elder adult of 65 years of age or older, with knowledge that said person was an elder adult of 65 years of age or older, unjustifiable physical pain or mental suffering, is guilty of a violation of section 368(a) of the Penal Code, a felony.

Fiduciary abuse is the exploitation of someone’s funds or other resources. It can range from the misuse of funds to the transfer or sale of personal or real property. These crimes can often appear to be civil matters as the suspects often have been granted power of attorney, listed on quit claim deeds, wills, living trusts and bank accounts.

Under California Penal Code section 368, these offenses are considered prosecutable crimes. Victim’s rights were strengthened under another California law, the Elder Abuse Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act, which was passed in 1992. The provisions of this law allow the victims to sue perpetrators and collect damages under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 15600.