WASHINGTON (AP) — Actor Mickey Rooney is telling Congress that he has been a victim of elder abuse by a family member who took his money and misused it.

Rooney testified Wednesday before a special Senate committee considering legislation to curb abuses of senior citizens.

The 90-year-old film and television star told the lawmakers that elder abuse comes in various forms, including physical and emotional. In his case, he described the abuse as financial.

Last week, a Los Angeles judge extended a restraining order against Rooney’s stepson. Rooney has accused his stepson of preventing him from leaving his home and verbally threatening him.

Democratic Sen. Herb Kohl of Wisconsin says the elderly are vulnerable because they are “often fragile” and their abusers usually stand little chance of getting caught.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)