The profile of abusers is that 61 percent are family members and 31 percent service providers who have a “position of trust, attorneys to health workers,” noted Young. Eight percent are neighbors and-or acquaintances.A specific profile is an adult male relative, 38 to 45 years old, not regularly employed who may have a substance abuse problem. “He has a tough time making it on his own and moves home; the trade-off is his help but in a matter of weeks or months,” he is handling the finances of the senior, and expenses skyrocket.Seniors often ask how they can avoid becoming a victim: Young said staying socially involved and active is very important as it helps seniors avoid the “new best friend syndrome. . .” Seniors are urged to use direct deposit of income and avoid having large amounts of cash. Estate planning should be done.Keeping in good physical health, including dental, will help avoid medication that could be a factor in being taken advantage of.Young said seniors should not live with an abusive family member, to work closely with law enforcement and social services if you think you are being victimized, be very suspicious of scams which often target seniors, and ask neighbors and friends to help be your eyes and ears.Elder abuse brought to prosecution has a 98 percent conviction rate, said Young, but it’s best not to become a victim.For more information on or to report elder abuse, call 654-3622.
Rotary: Elder abuse being aggressively targeted by District Attorney’s Office
March 21, 2001
Santa Paula News
Elder abuse is on the rise but Ventura County law enforcement and prosecutors are not only on the alert, but aggressively going after the offenders, members of the Santa Paula Rotary Club were told at a recent meeting.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesElder abuse is on the rise but Ventura County law enforcement and prosecutors are not only on the alert, but aggressively going after the offenders, members of the Santa Paula Rotary Club were told at a recent meeting.Deputy District Attorney Bruce Young said a special elder abuse unit was formed in 1997 when the need was recognized for a specialized team to handle same. It is a “Vertical prosecution unit. . .from start to finish,” said Young, and includes special education and awareness programs as well as a victims’ advocate.Of the approximately 740,000 county residents about 106,000 are seniors over 60 years old; this population share is expected to soar by 2020.Seniors represent the largest concentration of wealth and 78 percent are homeowners, noted Young. “They saw hard times, saved their money and there’s a criminal element trying to take it away from them. If you use a gun you go to jail; storekeepers can shoot back,” so seniors are increasingly becoming an attractive target of criminals, a “new avenue to explore. . .”Potentially, elder abuse can never be discovered as seniors can become isolated either through illness or choice as their social circles shrink.Cases of elder abuse have been doubling each year, said Young, and can range from physical abuse to emotional battering, theft to neglect. The crimes can be misdemeanors or felonies and conviction can carry heavy prison sentences including enhancements for physical abuse.
