This document contains testimony and prepared statements from a Congressional hearing called to examine the issue of elder abuse. Chairman Claude Pepper's opening statement discusses the horror of elder abuse and calls for federal legislation, similar to the child abuse legislation, for combating elder abuse. Elder abuse is defined as physical abuse, sexual assault, forceable restraint, isolation, exploitation of money or property, neglect, or failure to provide for physical or health needs of the elderly. Three panels of witnesses testify. The first panel includes three victims of elder abuse and Suzanne K. Steinmetz, an advocate for the elderly. Steinmetz testifies that the frail elderly are often being cared for by their aged children without social support, placing these elderly at risk of abuse. The second panel includes a former finance officer from an old soldier's home who testifies about embezzling money from her elderly clients and an attorney who testifies about the financial exploitation of the elderly. The third panel consists of representatives from Florida, Ohio, Alabama, California, and Arizona giving their states' perspectives. The appendix includes a staff report from Pepper's office which draws the following conclusions: (1) elder abuse is increasing and is reported less than is child abuse; (2) three-quarters of the states have adult protective service laws for mandatory reporting of elder abuse; and (3) states need funding for this new social service area. A survey of the states' human service departments' elder abuse policies is included. Specific federal policy recommendations are made. (ABL)