ILLINOIS — As Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed on June 15, the State of Illinois is drawing attention to the growing crisis of elder mistreatment, with thousands of abuse reports recorded in the past year alone.
The day serves as a statewide reminder of the physical, emotional, financial abuse, neglect, and abandonment that older adults often face — with one in ten adults aged 60 or older experiencing some form of abuse annually. Officials say the numbers have surged significantly since 2022.
According to WCSJNews, the Illinois Adult Protective Services (APS) investigated over 18,000 elder abuse cases in 2024. An additional 4,000 cases involved vulnerable adults under 60 with disabilities.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Authorities are urging community members to remain alert for key indicators of abuse, which may include:
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Unexplained injuries or bruises
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Sudden behavioral or emotional changes
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Unsanitary or dangerous living conditions
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Unusual or suspicious financial activity
These red flags often go unnoticed, especially among isolated or homebound seniors.
Anyone who suspects abuse can report it confidentially through the APS 24-hour hotline at 866-800-1409.
Prevention Through Awareness
State officials emphasized that raising public awareness and encouraging intervention are critical steps in preventing elder abuse. Education campaigns and training efforts are ongoing, aiming to equip families, caregivers, and professionals with the tools to recognize and report abuse early.
Additional resources and information about warning signs are available through the U.S. Department of Justice and Illinois’ statewide elder care programs.
Have you witnessed signs of elder abuse or neglect in your neighborhood?
Your voice matters. Share your story or help raise awareness at ChicagoSuburbanFamily.com — where community safety comes first.
