The State of California recognizes six types of abuse:

1. Self-Neglect - Refusal or failure to provide himself/herself with adequate food, water, clothing, shelter, personal hygiene or medications (if indicated).
2. Physical Abuse - The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain or impairment, or any physical injury to an adult caused by other than accidental means.
3. Neglect by Others - Failure to provide the basic care or services necessary to maintain the health and safety of an adult; this failure can be active or passive.
4. Sexual Abuse - Sexual contact with a non-consenting adult or with an adult considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act.
5. Financial Abuse - The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s money, property or other assets.
6. Mental Abuse - Verbal or emotional abuse such as threatening significant physical harm or threatening or causing significant emotional harm to an adult through the use of derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity or ridicule; or harassment, coercion, threats, intimidation, humiliation, mental cruelty or inappropriate sexual comments.   

Signs of abuse or neglect can include: 

• Bruises, black eyes and broken bones
• Bloody, ripped or stained clothing, sheets
• Lack of adequate food, water or other amenities
• Cluttered, filthy living environment
• Dirty clothing and changes in personal hygiene
• Unexplained or uncharacteristic changes in behavior
• Unexplained purchases by the primary caregiver, or unpaid bills, new credit cards or increased cash withdrawals
• Harassment, coercion, intimidation, humiliation