Joseph Ranni, Esq. of Ranni Law Firm, PLLC answers the following questions about Elder Abuse and the Law: What is elder abuse? What is considered elder abuse in New York State?  How many elders are victims of elder abuse each year on average? What is the penalty for elder abuse? How does one report elder abuse? What happens when you report elder abuse. Is elder abuse difficult to identify? Does memory loss contribute to elderly abuse? What is the most common form of elder abuse? How is a case of potential elder abuse different from a case of potential child abuse? How does elder abuse affect the family? When does social services take over a situation when there is abuse and neglect with an elder? What are the consequences of elder abuse? What government agency handles elder abuse?