Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – June 15 marks Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Illinois officials are urging residents to learn the warning signs and report suspected abuse, as cases have continued to rise across the state since 2022.

“Elder abuse is sadly more common than many people realize, but it is largely preventable,” said Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough. “By understanding what elder abuse is, recognizing the signs, and taking steps to prevent it, we can create safer and more supportive communities for older adults.”

Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, and sexual harm; financial exploitation; abandonment; and neglect. It also encompasses environments that can lead to harm or decline in an older adult’s well-being.

National studies show that one in ten adults aged 60 or older experience some form of abuse annually—and many suffer more than one type. The consequences can be severe, resulting in health deterioration, social isolation, financial loss, and emotional trauma.

In Illinois, the Adult Protective Services (APS) program received over 18,000 reports of elder abuse last year, along with roughly 4,000 reports concerning adults under 60 with physical or developmental disabilities. APS investigates these cases and connects survivors to medical and social services for recovery and support.

Anyone can report suspected abuse by calling the APS 24-hour hotline at 866-800-1409 or using 711 for telecommunications relay services. Reports are confidential, and callers may remain anonymous. In emergencies, people should dial 911.

Warning signs of elder abuse include:

  • Unexplained injuries
  • Withdrawal or emotional distress
  • Unsanitary or unsafe living conditions
  • Sudden changes in banking activity or finances

Suspected abuse in long-term care facilities should be reported to a long-term care ombudsman or the Illinois Department of Public Health’s nursing home hotline at 800-252-4343.