The guide provides basic information on elder abuse problems and programs and services available to victims, their families, and at risk elders. The guide's question-and-answer format covers the national incidence of elder abuse, major types of elder abuse, elderly abusers, characteristics of elder abuse victims and self-neglecting elders, and causes of elder abuse. The guide also focuses on Federal programs that address the problem of elder abuse, State elder abuse reporting systems, State elder abuse laws, State and local agencies and services available to families and victims of elder abuse. Consortium organizations of the National Center on Elder Abuse are listed. 2 figures and 7 photographs