Elder abuse is far more common than most people realize — and in New York City, it is illegal, reportable, and actionable. Whether you are experiencing abuse yourself or witnessing it happen to an older adult in your life, New York law gives you the tools to report it, stop it, and access help. This guide explains the forms elder abuse takes, your legal rights, and exactly who to call.
What Is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse is any action or inaction that harms an older adult. It can be committed by family members, caregivers, neighbors, or strangers. Under New York law, elder abuse includes:
- Physical abuse: Hitting, pushing, restraining, or any unwanted physical force
- Emotional or psychological abuse: Threats, intimidation, humiliation, isolation from family and friends, constant criticism
- Financial exploitation: Stealing money or property, forging signatures, coercing an older adult to change a will or sign documents, misusing a power of attorney
- Sexual abuse: Any unwanted sexual contact or activity
- Neglect: Failing to provide adequate food, shelter, medical care, medication, or supervision by a caregiver who has accepted that responsibility
- Self-neglect: An older adult’s inability or unwillingness to provide for their own basic needs — a separate but related concern
- Abandonment: Desertion of an older adult by a caregiver who had previously assumed responsibility
Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse reported in NYC — often perpetrated by trusted family members, friends, or paid caregivers.
Warning Signs of Elder Abuse
- Unexplained injuries, bruises, or burns
- Sudden changes in behavior, fearfulness, or withdrawal
- Unusual changes in financial accounts, sudden transfer of assets, or unexplained lack of money for basic needs
- Caregiver who speaks for the older adult, won’t let them be alone, or seems controlling
- Older adult appears malnourished, dehydrated, or has untreated medical conditions
- Poor hygiene or inappropriate clothing for the weather
- Unpaid bills despite adequate income
- Sudden changes to legal documents (wills, powers of attorney)
Who to Call in NYC
If There Is Immediate Danger: Call 911
If an older adult is in immediate physical danger or has been seriously harmed, call 911 first. Elder abuse is a crime and law enforcement can respond immediately to protect the person.
Adult Protective Services (APS)
For non-emergency situations, the primary reporting agency is NYC Adult Protective Services (APS), administered by NYC HRA. APS investigates reports of abuse, neglect, and exploitation of adults 18 and older who have physical or mental disabilities that impair their ability to protect themselves.
- APS Hotline: (212) 630-1853 — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- 311: Ask for “elder abuse” or “adult protective services”
Reports to APS can be made anonymously. APS investigates and can arrange emergency services, protective orders, and connections to support services.
NYC Aging Elder Abuse Services
NYC Aging operates an Elder Abuse Prevention program that provides specialized services for older adults experiencing abuse. Services include case management, safety planning, legal assistance, and connections to housing and financial recovery services.
- NYC Aging: (212) 244-6469 or 311 — ask for elder abuse services
- Elder Abuse Hotline (statewide): 1-844-697-3505 — NYS Office of Children and Family Services
For Financial Exploitation
- NYC District Attorney offices have elder fraud units — find your borough DA at nyc.gov
- New York State Attorney General Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-800-771-7755
- JASA Legal Services: (212) 273-5200 — free legal help for older adults who have experienced financial exploitation, including help recovering assets
- Legal Aid Society: (212) 577-3300 — legal assistance for exploitation victims
Legal Protections for Older Adults in NYC
Several legal tools are available to protect older adults from abusers:
- Order of protection: A court order requiring an abuser to stay away from the older adult. These can be obtained in Family Court (for family members) or Criminal Court (if criminal charges are filed). Contact a legal aid attorney for help filing.
- Guardianship: If an older adult lacks capacity to protect themselves, a court can appoint a guardian. Contact Legal Aid Society or JASA about guardianship proceedings.
- Revoking power of attorney: If someone is misusing a power of attorney, it can be revoked. A new POA document and legal notification may be required — contact a legal aid attorney.
- Restraining orders on financial accounts: Courts can freeze financial accounts to prevent further exploitation — contact the DA’s office or a civil attorney.
If You Are an Older Adult Experiencing Abuse
You have the right to get help even if the abuser is a family member or someone you depend on for care. Reporting abuse does not automatically mean the person will be arrested or that you will lose your home or caregiver. APS and elder abuse services work with you to create a safety plan that respects your choices and independence.
If you are afraid to call yourself, you can ask a trusted person to call on your behalf, or ask a senior center staff member, doctor, or social worker to make a report.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I report elder abuse anonymously?
Yes. Reports to NYC APS and the statewide elder abuse hotline can be made anonymously. You do not need to give your name when calling to report suspected abuse.
My family member is taking my money. Is that a crime?
Yes. Financial exploitation of an older adult is a crime in New York regardless of the relationship between the victim and perpetrator. Theft, fraud, or coercion involving an older adult’s finances can result in criminal charges and civil liability. Contact the NYC DA’s office and a legal aid attorney.
I think my neighbor’s elderly parent is being neglected. What should I do?
Call APS at (212) 630-1853 or 311 and report your concerns. You do not need proof — you can report a reasonable belief that an older adult may be experiencing abuse or neglect. APS will investigate.
Will reporting elder abuse take away the person’s independence?
Not automatically. APS’s goal is to protect the person while respecting their autonomy and self-determination. Reporting starts an assessment process — it does not automatically lead to removing the person from their home or removing their decision-making rights. APS works with the older adult to develop a safety plan they agree to.
