To report elder abuse in South Carolina:

• South Carolina Nursing Home Elder Abuse - (800) 868-9095
• Domestic/Community Elder Abuse  - (803) 898-7318

Elder Abuse Defined

South Carolina states that elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in physical or financial harm or loss to an elderly person.

There are five main types of elder abuse: physical, sexual, psychological, financial and neglect.

• Physical abuse is the infliction of force that results in injury or pain.  Common types of physical abuse include assault and inappropriate restraint.
• Sexual abuse is any form of non-consensual sexual activity.
• Psychological abuse is the action or inaction that mentally harms an elderly person.  Common types of psychological abuse include harassment, verbal and non-verbal threats and mockery.
• Financial abuse is the improper use of an elderly person’s money, property or resources.
• Neglect is when the caregiver responsible for the elder, fails to provide adequate care.  Care can include food, water, medicine and shelter.