An executive summary released by the National Center for Elder Abuse shows a continuing rise in cases of abuse reported to Adult Protective Services agencies in the 50 states. The summary covers reporting data for the year 2000. 

It is unclear from the summary, which was issued November 21, 2002 in draft form, how much of the increase may be attributable to more thorough reporting of incidents and how much to an actual increase. Nonetheless, the summary's numbers are disturbing - showing a 61 percent increase in the number of cases vs. the 1996 data and a huge 300 percent rise since 1986 and the first national survey of elder abuse that is reported to Adult Protective Services agencies. 

In California, persons wishing to report cases of elder abuse should contact their county's Adult Protective Services agency or local law enforcement. Each county's Adult Protective Services hotline number and contact information can be found on-line at www.dss.cahwnet.gov/pdf/apscolist.pdf 

A copy of the eight-page draft executive summary released by National Center for Elder Abuse can be accessed at  www.elderabusecenter.org/whatnew/vulnerableadults.pdf January 2003