Elder Justice

Elder abuse is a devastating reality for many older Americans, but unfortunately it too often goes unreported. The debilitating results of elder abuse range from physical injury, pain, mental anguish, financial loss, violation of rights, to death. Elder abuse crosses all racial, ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds and reaches families in every Ohio community.

Attorney General Dave Yost is committed to protecting older Ohioans who are being exploited or harmed. The Elder Justice Unit helps protect our state's older adults and enhance elder abuse victims' access to vital criminal justice services.

In 2014, the Ohio Attorney General launched an Elder Justice Unit to increase the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases and to improve positive outcomes for older Ohioans. The Unit is a collaborative effort among the Crime Victim Services, Consumer Protection, Health Care Fraud, and Special Prosecutions sections, and the Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI). The team helps local communities with investigations, forensic analysis, case presentation and prosecution, outreach, trainings and technical assistance.

The goal of the Elder Justice Unit is to connect victims and those with concerns relating to suspected elder abuse and/or crimes with local and state agencies that may be able to provide resources or guidance to the victims and their families or take steps to prevent future acts of abuse.

Elder Justice Unit – Services

• File an Elder Justice Unit Complaint
• Request copies of Elder Justice publications
• Request information and/or referrals to community partners
• Request assistance to identify, investigate or prosecute a case 
• Request an Elder Justice or Elder Abuse presentation

For more information on the Elder Justice Unit, or to get support for a victim of abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation, call 800-282-0515.