To report elder abuse in Idaho:

• Idaho Nursing Home Elder Abuse or Long Term Care  – (877) 471-2777
• Domestic/Community Elder Abuse  – (877) 471-2777

Elder Abuse Estimates

Idaho’s Adult Protection Investigators believe that a large number of elder abuse cases go unreported as the state’s residents carry a tradition of being independent and self-sufficient.  With over 245,000 elderly residents in Idaho based on 2007 census data, there are likely more than 12,000 cases each year.

Why do Idaho’s Elder Abuse Cases Go Unreported?

While there are many reasons why a case goes unreported, one of the main reasons why is that the elderly victim is in denial.  The victim may or may not know that they are being abused.  Even if the victim knows that he/she is being physically, mentally or emotionally harmed, he/she likely has no form of comparison to make him/her think the abuse is wrong.

Another common reason why cases go unreported is that the elderly victim likely places blame on himself/herself  for provoking the abuse as a result of poor self esteem.

Other common reasons include dependency, loyalty to the caregiver and fear of retaliation by the abuser.