"Elder abuse refers to intentional or unintentional harm, exploitation, or neglect of an older person by himself or herself, trusted individuals, acquaintances, or strangers in a domestic or institutionalized setting. Such acts violate an elderly person’s fundamental rights to safety, privacy, and expression. Elder abuse is a significant problem in the United States. Over 500,000 cases of mistreatment against adults aged 60 or more are reported annually. Sadly, in the majority of these incidents the perpetrators of the abuse are members of the victim’s own family. Finding a qualified therapist is an effective and practical route for helping older people who have experienced abuse. Therapists can assist vulnerable elderly persons to resolve tension, cope with trauma, assess available resources, and make plans for safety. Sessions are available in individual, family, or group settings. In therapy, victims of abuse can overcome feelings of denial or shame, gain valuable education on the subject, and build stronger social support networks. Perpetrators of abuse can also benefit from therapy. For example, in therapy an abusive caregiver may learn productive ways to deal with stress, develop coping skills, gain social support, or treat underlying mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression."