It is unlikely that many people in America envision that their senior years will include abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other types of victimization. However, with estimates that more than 2.5 million older people are victims of some form of reported or non-reported maltreatment each year, with 90% committed by a perpetrator known to the elderly victim, this seems to increasingly be the case. Their economic situations often make them easy prey for those determined to be predators for personal and economic gain. Abusers seek those who appear to be less capable of defending themselves and their property.
If seniors' position in society is closely examined, it becomes clear that they are easy targets for abuse and misuse. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates the incidence of specific types of elder maltreatment (based on reports from 39 states) as follows: physical abuse, 15.7%; sexual abuse, 0.04%; emotional abuse, 7.3%; neglect, 58.5%; financial exploitation, 12.3%; all other types, 5.1%; and unknown, 0.06%.2
There are certain crimes for which the elderly are specifically targeted. An extensive undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation operation.
There are certain crimes for which the elderly are specifically targeted. An extensive undercover Federal Bureau of Investigation operation found that older consumers were specifically targeted by fraudulent telemarketers. The study showed that people who have already been victimized are at the greatest risk of being victimized again. Offenders reuse and sell victim information, targeting the same victims repeatedly until their assets are gone. Seniors are also targeted for get-rich schemes, home improvement and mortgage scams, investment fraud, and exploitation by fiduciaries and family members.
The Impact of Victimization on the ElderlyThe elderly are more at risk than other age groups to suffer serious consequences of victimization. The effect of physical or sexual assault can result in more serious injuries to older people whose bones break and tissues tear more easily. The ability to recuperate or recover from injuries also diminishes with age
The emotional impact of crime on elderly victims can also be extremely serious. The psychological trauma may be particularly profound for older victims since the ability to recover from trauma is influenced by pre-victimization coping patterns and support networks.
Special Needs of Elderly Victims
Elderly victims have many of the same needs as their non-elderly counterparts. In addition, many older victims have special needs and face a variety of additional obstacles to accessing existing services as a result of common conditions related to aging or disability. These include:
- Dependency on Caregivers;
- Problems with access services or courts;
- Need for Supportive Services;
- Fear of losing Independence.
- Lack of knowledge of Victims Services;
- Distrust of Criminal Justice System;
- Fear of Retaliation
Supportive Services of Elderly Victims
Crisis intervention for elder abuse victims can include counseling about available options, emotional support, assistance in making arrangements, and the provision of information and referrals to supportive services in the community
Support groups provide an encouraging environment for victims of elder abuse and other crimes to share their experiences in a safe and confidential environment. A number of communities have established such support groups through elder services programs. Elderly victims.
In preventing and responding to elder abuse, collaboration is key to success, combining the skills and resources of law enforcement and justice professionals, state-level elder advocacy and adult protection agencies, legal services, victim service providers, and community-based and non-profit organizations.
If you know someone who is being neglected, exploited or abused, report it to Adult Protective Services at 1-800-564-1612For information about services or referrals, call the Senior HelpLine at 1-800-642-5119
National Resources
Adminstration on Aging, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
(202) 619-7501
American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging
National Center on Elder Abuse
National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse
Abridged Article. SOURCE
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