June marks Elder Abuse Prevention Month, and with it comes an urgent reminder: our senior citizens deserve protection, dignity, and justice. As members of the Washoe County community, we must recognize the troubling reality many of our elders face and renew our commitment to safeguarding them from abuse and exploitation.

In 2024, there were 1,793 reported crimes against individuals aged 60 and older in Washoe County. These include abuse, neglect, exploitation, isolation, and abandonment. Alarmingly, more than 78% of those cases involved some form of abuse – most of which took place behind closed doors, often at the hands of someone the victim knew and trusted. Though recently there has been a nearly 5% decline in elder-related crimes since 2022, we must not let this progress lull us into complacency. Already this year, 341 crimes against seniors have been reported – and these are only the cases we know about.

So what does elder abuse look like? It’s not always physical, and it’s not always visible. One particularly insidious and underreported form of elder abuse is financial exploitation. It happens quietly, often over time, and often by someone in a position of trust, like a caregiver, a family member, or a neighbor.

Take the case of “Earl,” an 85-year-old man who was found locked out of his home. He told officers he had been evicted and was waiting for help. What law enforcement uncovered was far more troubling: Earl’s caregiver, a man he trusted to assist with basic daily needs, had been stealing from him. Instead of using Earl’s money to pay rent, the caregiver used his debit card to buy drugs. By the time authorities intervened, more than $15,000 had been stolen.

In another case, a visually impaired 92-year-old man placed his trust in a neighbor to manage his finances. She repaid that trust by writing herself unauthorized checks, ultimately stealing nearly $400,000. Thankfully, the victim was able to recover the stolen funds through my office’s prosecution of the offender, but that outcome is the exception, not the rule.

These stories are not outliers. Financial exploitation is the most common form of elder abuse, and yet it is one of the least reported. Why? The reasons are complex and deeply human. Many seniors feel embarrassed for having been deceived or are afraid that admitting abuse will lead others to question their independence. In cases where the abuser is a family member or close friend, victims may fear causing family conflict or losing essential support. Others don’t report because they are socially isolated, unaware that a crime has occurred, or unsure of how to seek help.

These emotional, social, and practical barriers make elder abuse a silent epidemic. But it doesn’t have to be this way. Awareness is our first and most powerful tool in prevention. We must educate ourselves and others about what elder abuse looks like, because it takes many forms.

Physical abuse may include unexplained injuries, broken bones, or signs of restraint. Emotional abuse can appear as anxiety, depression, withdrawal, or sudden personality changes. Neglect and abandonment often reveal themselves through poor hygiene, malnutrition, and unsafe living conditions. And financial abuse may show in sudden changes in bank accounts, unexplained credit card charges, missing valuables, or unpaid bills despite sufficient income.

If something doesn’t seem right, trust your instincts. Speak up. Ask questions. Too often, the signs are there but they’re missed because no one was willing to look closer or say something.

If you suspect elder abuse, take action. In an emergency, call 911. Otherwise, reach out to Adult Protective Services at (888) 729-0571. Your voice could make all the difference in someone’s life.

The Washoe County District Attorney’s Office remains steadfast in its mission to protect our elderly population and hold offenders accountable. But preventing elder abuse requires more than just prosecution – it requires prevention, education, and a community-wide commitment to respecting and safeguarding our seniors.

These are the people who built our communities, raised families, and paved the way for the lives we live today. Now, it’s our turn to protect them. This Elder Abuse Prevention Month, let’s pledge to be vigilant, compassionate, and proactive. Because protecting our elders isn’t just a legal responsibility – it’s a moral one.