Both the federal government and state governments have enacted laws (statutes) that provide civil and criminal penalties for the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. Elder abuse may take many forms, including (1) financial or material exploitation; (2) physical abuse; (3) emotional or psychological abuse; (4) sexual abuse; (5) neglect; and (6) abandonment.

Domestic elder abuse generally refers to any of these types of abuse when committed by someone with whom the elder has a special relationship—such as a spouse, sibling, child, friend, or caregiver.

Institutional elder abuse generally refers to any of these types of abuse occurring in residential facilities—such as a nursing facility, assisted living facility, group home, board and care facility, or foster home—and is usually perpetrated by someone with a legal or contractual obligation to provide some element of care or protection.

Elder abuse laws vary from state to state and are usually located in a state’s statutes. The federal Elder Justice Act is located in the United States Code beginning at 42 U.S.C. §1397j.

In Connecticut, elder abuse is addressed through various statutes that provide both civil and criminal penalties for offenses against older adults. The state defines elder abuse to include physical, sexual, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment, and financial exploitation. Connecticut General Statutes, specifically sections 17b-450 to 17b-461, outline the responsibilities for reporting suspected abuse and the procedures for investigation and intervention. Mandatory reporting requirements apply to certain professionals who suspect elder abuse. The state also has protective services for the elderly, which can intervene in cases of abuse. Additionally, Connecticut law provides for the appointment of conservators to manage the affairs of those who are deemed incapable of doing so themselves, which can be a safeguard against financial exploitation. On the federal level, the Elder Justice Act (42 U.S.C. §1397j) supports the state's efforts by providing funding, resources, and guidelines to prevent and combat elder abuse. This federal law also emphasizes the importance of reporting and responding to elder abuse in both domestic and institutional settings.