Market reference guide: This article covers both Korean and U.S. resources. Each piece of information is marked in the text as 🇰🇷 Korea or 🇺🇸 U.S. to show which country it applies to.
If your parents live in a care facility or live alone, elder abuse can feel like someone else's problem. But when you look at the statistics, elder abuse happens much closer to home than we think. By learning about the systems and reporting channels in advance, you can protect your loved ones.
🇰🇷 Korea According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "2024 Elder Abuse Status Report," the number of suspected elder abuse reports in 2024 was 22,746 cases, an increase of 3.7% compared to the previous year, and confirmed abuse cases reached 7,167, continuing an upward trend. What's noteworthy is the shift in who commits the abuse. In the past, "sons" were the most common perpetrators, but in 2024, abuse by spouses now accounts for 38.7% of all cases—the largest share. Abuse predominantly occurs within the home, taking physical and emotional forms, though abuse in facilities such as nursing homes and senior residences is also rising.
🇺🇸 U.S. According to research from the Elder Justice Roadmap under the U.S. Department of Justice, an estimated 10% of people aged 60 and older experience some form of abuse each year. The bigger problem is the reporting rate. The same research shows that only 1 out of 24 actual cases are reported. In particular, for elderly victims of financial exploitation, analysis by the National Institute of Justice (NIJ) reveals that 87.5% of victims of financial exploitation by acquaintances do not report it to law enforcement.
🇰🇷 Korea Korea classifies elder abuse into six types under Article 39-9 of the Senior Welfare Act: physical, emotional, sexual, and economic abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment. If abuse is suspected, you can call the nationwide 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline (1389) from anywhere in the country, and dedicated shelters for victims are also in operation. As 2026 approaches, amendments to the Senior Welfare Act are set to take effect by year-end, further strengthening the institutional safety net. Meanwhile, experts emphasize that rather than focusing solely on punishment, there must be simultaneous efforts to strengthen preventive education and expand economic and psychological support for caregivers.
🇺🇸 U.S. In the United States, through the Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) enacted in 2017, elder justice coordinators were placed in each U.S. Attorney's office, and penalties for fraud and exploitation were strengthened. Actual reporting is done through each state's Adult Protective Services (APS). In California, where many Korean families live, you can call 1-833-401-0832, enter your zip code, and be connected 24/7 to your county APS. Los Angeles County operates a separate elder abuse hotline (1-877-477-3646). Residents of care facilities can also seek help through the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.
There are also practical prevention steps families can take as caregivers. 🇰🇷 Korea Research shows that structural factors such as caregiver stress, weakened family relationships, and shortage of care workers are complexly intertwined with abuse, making regular visits and wellness check-ins essential. 🇺🇸 U.S. As of 2026, voice phishing and financial fraud using AI are becoming increasingly sophisticated, so it's necessary to regularly review your parents' financial account statements together and watch for sudden changes. Additionally, remembering that social isolation increases the risk of abuse and supporting your parents' ongoing connection with the community is the most fundamental form of prevention.
Source: Ministry of Health and Welfare "2024 Elder Abuse Status Report" (2025), Easy-to-Find Living Laws Information on Elder Abuse Classification and Status (easylaw.go.kr, as of March 2026), U.S. Department of Justice Office of Justice Programs "Elder Justice Roadmap," National Institute of Justice (NIJ) financial abuse reporting rate analysis, Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act (EAPPA) 2017, elderlawanswers.com "2026 Elder Abuse Law: What Families Should Know," National Adult Protective Services Association (NAPSA) state-by-state APS reporting status, Los Angeles County Aging & Disabilities APS hotline information.
Note: This article was compiled by AI from the sources cited above. We strive for accuracy, but for decisions about your specific situation, please confirm the latest guidance from a professional or the relevant agency.