TASA exists to advise the Arizona Attorney General's Office in matters concerning Arizona senior citizens and encourage a united voice to identify the needs and concerns of older adults in order to enhance their safety.

Mission Statement:

• Establish a direct line of communication to contact the Attorney General's Office.

• Identify and open cases within the prosecutorial authority of the Attorney General's Office. 

• Raise awareness within the community to prevent and report senior abuse and exploitation. 

• Provide communication and coordination among statewide groups.

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that results in harm or loss to an older person. It is generally divided into the following categories (definitions courtesy the National Adult Protective Services Association):

• Physical abuse: may include slapping, hitting, beating, bruising or causing someone physical pain, injury or suffering. This also could include confining an adult against his/her will, such as locking someone in a room or tying him/her to furniture.

• Emotional abuse: involves creating emotional pain, distress or anguish through the use of threats, intimidation or humiliation. This includes insults, yelling or threats of harm and/or isolation, or non-verbal actions such as throwing objects or glaring to project fear and/or intimidation.

• Neglect: includes failures by individuals to support the physical, emotional and social needs of adults dependent on others for their primary care. Neglect can take the form of withholding food, medications or access to health care professionals. For more information on neglect,click here.

• Isolation: involves restricting visits from family and friends or preventing contact via telephone or mail correspondence.

• Financial or material exploitation: includes the misuse, mishandling or exploitation of property, possessions or assets of adults. Also includes using another’s assets without consent, under false pretense, or through coercion and/or manipulation.

• Abandonment: involves desertion by anyone who assumed caregiving responsibilities for an adult.

• Sexual abuse: includes physical force, threats or coercion to facilitate non-consensual touching, fondling, intercourse or other sexual activities. This is particularly true with vulnerable adults who are unable to give consent or comprehend the nature of these actions.

• Self-neglect: involves seniors or adults with disabilities who fail to meet their own essential physical, psychological or social needs, which threatens their health, safety and well-being. This includes failure to provide adequate food, clothing, shelter and health care for one’s own needs.