The number of reports of elderly people being abused in the Netherlands has risen markedly since last year. While in 2007 366 cases were reported, 2008 counted 662 cases. According to the advisory centre Movisie the steep increase is a result of social workers' intensified watchfulness.

The centre bases its figures on municipal health service (GGD) reporting stations.

Offenders are often people who are close to the elderly victim such as partners, children, neighbours or social workers. Most reports concern psychological maltreatment, followed by physical abuse and financial exploitation. Three quarters of the victims are female.