Elderly abuse cases rise in Suffolk County as officials plan awareness panel
Officials say abuse involving older adults often goes unrecognized.
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Domestic violence and abuse cases involving elderly residents are increasing in Suffolk County, according to law enforcement officials and advocacy groups.
In response, county officials are hosting what they describe as a first-of-its-kind panel discussion focused on raising awareness and connecting older adults with available resources.
"Sometimes it's I need to get an order of protection against my son or my daughter and that's a really hard dynamic," says Feride Castillo, director and co-founder of ECLI Vibes.
Officials say abuse involving older adults often goes unrecognized.
"A lot of times elderly victims are not aware that they're victims," says Suffolk County Police Commissioner Kevin Catalina.
According to Suffolk police, 45 cases involving elderly abuse were referred to the department by Adult Protective Services in 2024. In 2025, that number increased to 76.
Police also reported an increase in arrests.
Suffolk County police made 27 arrests in 2025. So far this year, officers have made 37 arrests.
"It is a crime and if they suspect that one of their elderly friends, relatives or neighbors, whoever it is, is a victim, please report it to Suffolk County Police," says Catalina.
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Suffolk County officials and advocates will hold a panel discussion on Oct. 15 focused on domestic violence among the elderly. The panel will be held at the H. Lee Dennison Building in Hauppauge from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Organizers say the event will also help attendees connect with available services, including ECLI Vibes and Long Island Against Domestic Violence.
"Many of them are experiencing a lot of verbal abuse, threats to hurt them, intimidation, withholding medication," says Wendy Linsalata, of Long Island Against Domestic Violence.
Representatives from both ECLI Vibes and Long Island Against Domestic Violence will participate in the panel to educate attendees and provide assistance.
"I think the issue is that there's a lot of barriers to supporting the elderly when it comes to domestic violence incidences because most individuals causing the harm to the elderly are usually a family member," says Castillo.
