This study sought to describe public awareness, perceptions, concern and response to the phenomenon of mistreatment of older adults. The setting for the study was the classic community context of Middletown, U.S.A., Muncie/Delaware County, Indiana. Adults (N=400), selected by random digit dialing, were interviewed in November 1989. Subjects were asked about respect for older adults, mistreatment of the elderly, comparison of drug abuse and elderly mistreatment, the experience of elderly mistreatment and its reporting, and types of mistreatment. The results indicated that most of those surveyed felt that older adults did not get enough respect. Almost one-half felt that elder mistreatment was a serious problem in their area. Almost all felt that drugs were a more important problem in comparison to mistreatment. Those who had encountered or suspected a case of elderly mistreatment tended to feel that mistreatment was a serious social problem. Less than one-half of those who indicated awareness or suspicion of mistreatment reported to some authority. Lack of awareness of the state's Adult Protective Services Agency was apparent. (ABL)