By: Katie McKellar
Faced with rising numbers of elder abuse and exploitation cases while also expecting that many more are going unreported, Salt Lake County officials want to raise awareness of the issue and encourage Utahns to look out for their aging neighbors and loved ones.
“The way we treat the elderly in our community says something about the values that we espouse. The world we live in today was built by those who are now some of the most vulnerable in our society, we owe it to them to offer respect, care, and justice when they have been made victims of abuse, exploitation, or neglect,” Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill said in a recent news release.
This week, on Wednesday, Salt Lake County senior centers will host Elder Abuse Awareness events for Elder Abuse Awareness Month in June. The county’s Aging and Adult Services website offers information on where to find its senior centers.
“Prosecution is only part of the solution,” Gill added. “We need families, neighbors, and care providers to help prevent abuse before it starts. Our seniors deserve to live with dignity and safety, not fear and isolation.”
Elder abuse affects 1 in 10 older adults, but often goes unreported, according to Gill’s office. The National Council on Aging points to one study, which estimated that only 1 in 24 cases of abuse are reported to authorities.
Salt Lake County records also indicate cases of elder abuse or neglect have ticked up in recent years. In 2023, county prosecutors filed 23 charges alleging intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult in 2023. That’s compared to 37 in 2024, according to the Salt Lake District Attorney’s Office.
From 2023 to 2025, Gill’s office has filed 25 charges for second-degree felony aggravated abuse of a vulnerable adult, plus 12 second-degree felony financial exploitation of a vulnerable adult charges. There were also 60 charges of class A misdemeanor intentional abuse or neglect of a vulnerable adult filed in the same time period.
County officials also urged Utahns to recognize signs of possible abuse, neglect or exploitation. Red flags include:
- Unexplained bruises or welts
- Multiple bruises in various states of healing
- Unexplained fractures and abrasions
- If a person becomes withdrawn, passive or fearful
- Reports or suspicions of sexual abuse
- Dehydration
- Missing glasses, dentures or other aides if usually worn
- Malnourishment
- Inappropriate or soiled clothing
- Over or under medicated
- Deserted, abandoned, left unattended or socially isolated
- Missing possessions
- Forced to sell their house, change their will, or sign over control of finances
- Overcharged for home repairs
- Inadequate living environment
- Unable to afford food, clothing, or social activities
“Ending elder abuse starts with awareness — and with connection. By reaching out, listening, and standing together, we can protect our older adults and ensure no one faces aging alone or in silence,” said Afton January, Salt Lake County Aging and Adult Services Communications manager.
Visiting a local senior center is also a “powerful way to stay connected and engaged,” county officials said. “These centers provide social support, nutrition, activities, and wellness resources that help protect against isolation and neglect. You can also be sure you are checking on them regularly, not just over an audio phone call, but through physical visits or video phone calls so you can see them and perhaps notice any signs of abuse or neglect.”
Gill’s office also reminded that Utah is a “mandatory reporter state.” That means if any person who has reason to believe a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited, they must immediately notify Adult Protective Services or the nearest law enforcement office.
For emergencies, call 911. You can also report suspected abuse directly to Utah’s vulnerable adult abuse hotline, which is 800-371-7897, or on the Utah Department of Health and Human Services’ website.
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Salt Lake County officials want your help to combat rising elder abuse
