The rapid increase in the elderly population has been accompanied by a variety of challenges for older adults, communities, and the state. The frequency of victimization of the elderly through various crimes has increased and the criminal justice system is facing increasing pressure to curb this trend. While all states have legislation aimed at protecting the adult population from crime, large gaps in the reporting of crimes against the elderly are evident across the nation. Older adults have become increasingly vulnerable to physical, financial and emotional abuse. In many cases, citizens who know about these abuses may not report them to the police or the elderly themselves may fear engaging in legal battles. Many of the crimes perpetrated against the elderly largely reflect the general situation regarding criminal activities. However, some categories of crime are more prevalent among older adults. In this document we will discuss these categories of crimes in light of the ways and forms in which they occur. Furthermore, the document will allude to existing gaps in reporting and efforts by the criminal justice system, and what needs to be done to close that gap. According to the findings of a recent study, older adults are facing an increasing frequency of abuse, including widespread cases of financial exploitation and domestic violence. A salient factor that has been cited as aggravating the situation is the limited social services that the elderly receive. This was caused by low public interest and financial constraints weighing on the economy. Furthermore, the issue of crimes against the elderly has not received adequate attention as...... middle of paper ......and elderly people to a definitive conclusion. This alludes to the need to see cases of elder abuse prosecuted and offenders addressed with appropriate punishment. This would send a message to other criminals out there that any crime against the elderly would be punished with the full force of the law. Therefore, agencies whose work revolves around law enforcement must take an active role (Tabachnick, 2009). At the same time, adequate funding is needed for nationwide campaigns to raise people's awareness of the issue of crimes against the elderly and what measures they need to take to make the fight successful. As for raising awareness among the population, the media must step up and highlight the reality of this problem. The media has the ability to make this problem get the attention it deserves (Tabachnick, 2009).