Betty, 65, and Joe, 68, have been married for almost 40 years. Joe has been verbally, emotionally and at times physically abusive to Betty. Since his retirement, Betty has become increasingly isolated from her friends and community. Grace, 72, agreed to let her 28 year-old grandson Eddie stay with her while he tried to get back on his feet. Eddie is struggling with drug addiction and badgers Grace for money. When she refuses, he becomes abusive and threatening. Grace's physical and emotional health is suffering . Elder abuse encompasses five areas of mistreatment: PHYSICAL ABUSE: Bodily harm resulting from such actions as hitting, shaking, pushing, beating or restraining. PSYCHOLOGICAL ABUSE: Actions or threats that result in mental distress such as yelling, name-calling, threats, infantilization of the older person, or prolonged silence NEGLECT: Active: purposeful withholding of necessities such as food, medication or shelter. Passive: Ignorance or inability to meet an older person's fundamental needs. MATERIAL ABUSE, FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION: Illegal or improper use of funds or other resources, including money, possessions or property. SEXUAL ABUSE: Assault or any form of sexual contact without consent or through coercion. Recent studies indicate: Maltreatment is not related to race, religion, education or class. Most abuse of the elderly occurs in their homes, not in institutions. There are an estimated 1.8 million abused elders in the United States. VIBS can help by providing counseling and advocacy. Call the hotline at (631) 360-3606. Get involved by volunteering. Support VIBS' work.