According to EADaily.com estimates, Maricopa County has nearly 66,587 cases of elder abuse (reported and unreported) every year. This accounts for 54% of all cases of abuse in Arizona. Pima, has approximately 21,000 cases of abuse annually, followed by Yavapai County.
Thousands of cases of alleged abuse, neglect and/or exploitation is reported in Arizona each year, with many of the cases involving an elderly person. Self-neglect is one of the more common allegations. Self-neglect occurs when the basic needs, such as food, water and shelter, of an elderly person is not met. Less common reported cases also include neglect, physical, financial, psychological and/or sexual abuse.
While anyone can report elder abuse, certain professionals such as doctors, dentists and law enforcement personnel are required by law to report elder abuse in Arizona.