State of West Virginia

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Last updated 2/5/25

Elder/Older Adult Abuse

West Virginia Code section 61-2-29 Abuse or neglect of incapacitated adult; definitions; penalties

West Virginia Code section 61-2-29a Death of an incapacitated adult by a caregiver

West Virginia Code section 61-2-29b Financial exploitation of an elderly person, protected person, or incapacitated adult; penalties; definitions

 

Alternate Charges

Please note that the following are possible alternatives to a charge of elder or older adult abuse, and their applicability may vary depending on the specific laws of each state. Additionally, the terms used in state statutes may differ. This list is not comprehensive and is intended solely to encourage the exploration of other relevant laws.

Physical Abuse: assault and battery; homicide and related; kidnapping; domestic abuse

Sexual Abuse: assault and battery; sexual abuse; lascivious conduct; indecent exposure; domestic abuse; trafficking

Emotional/Psychological Abuse: harassment; stalking; hate crimes; eavesdropping

Financial Exploitation: embezzlement; forgery; theft and related; fraud; identify theft; burglary and robbery; money laundering; RICO; trafficking; unauthorized use of property

Neglect: homicide and related; endangerment; false imprisonment

 

Elder/Older Adult Abuse - Protective Orders

West Virginia Code section 9-6-1 Social Services for Adults—Definitions

West Virginia Code section 9-6-4 Action to abate abuse, neglect, emergency, or financial exploitation

West Virginia Code section 9-6-5 Emergency immediate remedial treatment; procedure

 

Suspected Financial Exploitation - Transaction Holds

West Virginia Code chapter 32-6 Broker-Dealers