Elder Abuse

If you are an older adult who is being abused or you know someone who is, you or the other older adult may qualify for a restraining order. The following states and territories have legal orders that specifically protect older or vulnerable adults from abuse by someone who is supposed to be responsible for their care:

Alabama
California
Colorado
Florida (coming soon on WomensLaw.org)
Illinois
Iowa
Maine
Maryland
Oregon
Puerto Rico
South Dakota
Tennessee
Washington
Wisconsin
Virgin Islands (coming soon on WomensLaw.org).

In states without a specific order protecting older or vulnerable adults, you may still be able to get legal protection from another kind of order. For instance, an older adult who is being abused by a family member may qualify for a domestic violence restraining order or if the abuser is arrested, a criminal court protection order may be issued. Check what civil restraining orders may be available by selecting your state in our Know the Laws – By State section.