Which of the following is an element of aggravated abuse of an elderly person or disabled adult?

• A. All of the above
• B. Willfully tortured, maliciously punished, or willfully and unlawfully caged the victim
• C. Knowingly or willfully abused them, and caused great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement
• D. Committed aggravated battery

Answer: (D)

The main idea is how aggravated abuse of an elderly or disabled person is proven by showing extreme harm or certain abusive acts directed at a vulnerable victim. In this context, a clear way to establish the offense is to show that the offender committed aggravated battery against the elderly or disabled adult. Aggravated battery involves causing great bodily harm, permanent disability, or permanent disfigurement, often with aggravating factors. When such an act targets an elderly or disabled person, it elevates the conduct to aggravated abuse, so this act itself serves as a concrete element of the offense.

The other described acts—torturing, maliciously punishing, or unlawfully caging, as well as causing great bodily harm or permanent disability—are potential ways that aggravated abuse can be satisfied under different formulations, but the specific option highlighted as the correct element here is the commission of aggravated battery against the elderly or disabled individual.