Objective: To analyze a historical series of cases of elder abuse as described in police reports. Method: Descriptive, retrospective and documentary study based on police reports issued at the older adult police department whose information was collected through an instrument developed by the researchers. Results: Five categories were identified: 1 - physical violence; 2 - violence report; 3 - psychological violence; 4 - habits related to psychoactive substance use; 5 - reasons for violence. Conclusion: Elder abuse is a complex issue that requires intervention on the part of nurses by the report of incidents and provision of support to the victim.