600 elderly were murdered across the country in 2003. Those at the Women's Help Center in Johnstown say the percentage of elderly abuse in our area is 10%. They have a significant case- load, but a lot of problems go unreported.

Elderly abuse falls under domestic violence. The Women's Help Center says that type of behavior is learned. An older woman or man will have bruises, broken bones, or be in need of a doctors appointment if they're being abused. And if a family member is doing it the older person, many times, doesn't want to turn them in. But if you think you're aware of a case like this here's what to do.

Artyce Thomas is with the Women's Help Center. She tells Channel 6, "Simply notifying the authorities. If you choose not to do that, if you are ever able to talk to this person alone, just mentioning, I heard some things last night. Is everything ok?"

Jennie Waksmunski is an elderly woman who lives in Johnstown. She thinks, "You're brought up to respect your elders and when your mother and dad get older you shouldn't even think of something like that."

If you think an elderly person is being abused you can also call the Elderly Abuse Hotline at 1-800-490-8505.