The report summarizes past studies on the subject and reviews a variety of stress-creating factors contributing to the abuse of elderly persons cared for by relatives. It also describes services for the elderly aimed at preventing or diminishing their abuse in the home setting. Also discussed is the State's protective service system, which delivers services to persons with infirmities of aging. The text explains the mandatory reporting legislation, intended to identify the scope of the problem of elderly abuse. In conclusion, options for initial discussion by the Wisconsin Legislature's Special Committee on Elderly Abuse are proposed.