Elder abuse shortens lives, destroys families, and dehumanizes vulnerable people. While elder abuse is generally underreported, research has shown that at least 10 percent of older people will likely experience some form of abuse,¹ and as populations age, there will likely be a corresponding increase in the number of people experiencing abuse later in life.² This means that police officers in large cities, small towns, tribal lands, and rural communities will all play an integral role in protecting some of our most vulnerable populations.