The Missouri State Law Definition of Elder Abuse

While "elder abuse" is widely understood to mean doing harm to senior citizens, each U.S. state defines elder abuse differently. In Missouri, there are varying degrees of the abuse, and they run from causing emotional distress to trying to kill the person. The punishments vary with the crime.

First-degree Abuse

• A person is committing first-degree abuse if he tries to kill the person, or knowingly tries to cause serious physical injury. An elderly person, under Missouri law, is 60 years of age or older. Committing first-degree elder abuse is punishable with a class A felony.

Second-degree Abuse

• Second-degree elder abuse means the perpetrator uses a deadly weapon or otherwise dangerous instrument to knowingly cause or attempt to cause physical injuries to an elderly person. This version of abuse is a class B felony.

Third-degree Abuse

• For an act against an elderly person to classify as third-degree abuse, the perpetrator may have done one of several things: attempted to make or made physical contact with an elderly person when the perpetrator knew the other person would regard it as harmful; caused emotional distress; made an elderly person fear physical injuries; intentionally failed to provide care, necessary goods or services to the elderly person; or did something to risk the life or health of the person. This type of abuse is a class A misdemeanor.

Sexual Abuse

• If an employee of a skilled nursing facility or Alzheimer's program has sexual contact with a resident, the person may be charged with a class B misdemeanor. If the caretaker has sexual intercourse with the person, she can be charged with a class A misdemeanor.

Reports

• Adult day care workers, medical personnel and other people responsible for elderly persons are required by Missouri law to report suspicion of elder abuse to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. If the care provider doesn't report the suspected abuse, he may be charged with a class A misdemeanor. Someone who purposely files a false report of elder abuse may also be charged with a class A misdemeanor.

Investigation

• The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services investigates incidents and reports of elder abuse and refers cases to law enforcement agencies if necessary.