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Elder Abuse

You've seen the stories in the newspaper - an elderly person is physically, emotioally, sexually abused or financially exploited by a family member. You've seen the reports on TV - a patient in a long-term care facility victimized by a staff member.

As you shook your head and turned the page, you asked yourself "How could this happen? Couldn't someone help before now"?

The truth is, someone could - and should - have helped long before it became a tragedy.

Currently in Tennessee, only 1 in 23 cases is reported. Many times it's because the victim lives with someone who controls her access to the outside world, plus her finances, meals, medication, and everything else.

No one sees her bruises or the frightened looks in her eyes. The abuse goes on.

More than 2/3's of elder abuse perpetrators are family members.

To report abuse, neglect or exploitation of an older person call"

1.888.APS.TENN or 1.888.277.8366

Tennessee Vulnerable Adult Coalition

Stopping abuse of the elderly and Persons who have disabilities

Signs of Abuse, Neglect or Exploitation

How to Report Elder Abuse

UN Report on Elder Abuse

How to Determine if a Prospective Employee has Committed Abuse

Department of Health Elderly or Vulnerable Registry

The Tennessee Department of Health is required by state law and federal regulations to maintain a regisrty of persons who have abused, neglected, or misappropriated personal property. Allegations of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of personal property against individuals are investigated thoroughly. Substantiated complaints are referred to the Office of General Counsel for review and processing.

Contact information for the registry:

Tennessee Department of Health
Elderly or Vulnerable Abuse Registry
227 French Landing, Suite 501
Heritage Place MetroCenter
Nashville, TN 37243
1-800-778-4504