It's estimated one in 10 elderly Americans are abused every year.

On World Elder Abuse Day, groups are working to bring awareness about the harm seniors are facing.

Elder abuse takes many forms, like financial, emotional and physical.

Elder Services of Worcester said self-neglect is also another form of abuse they see.

Mary Parenteau said adult children and family members are the leading abusers of elderly people.

She said the biggest thing you can do if you suspect abuse is report it.

"If somebody is concerned about a neighbor, friend, or family member and they make a report to us… we engage with that elder who they think may be the victim and then we work with them to come up with a solution to the issue if that's at all possible” said Parenteau. “So, it's not like we go in and make our own plans and make decisions for the elder, because they're adults they get to join us in deciding what steps we can put up and make them safe and alleviate the abuse.”

Parenteau said as people become older and rely more on caregivers they become more vulnerable to abuse.

She said to report abuse call 1 800 922 2275.