San Jose 'clergy summit' confronts reality of elder abuse
FEW CASES REPORTED, HEALTH OFFICIALS SAY
By Connie Skipitares
Mercury News
Article Launched: 02/22/2008 01:35:13 AM PST
Clergy of all denominations need to take a bigger and more focused role in recognizing, reducing and preventing the growing problem of elder abuse, a gathering of Santa Clara County religious leaders was told Thursday.
"Clergy leaders are on the front line when it comes to raising awareness of elder abuse because many seniors are active in their congregations," said Betty Malks, director of Santa Clara County's Department of Aging and Adult Services. Their support, she said, is crucial in identifying and reporting incidents and helping victims.
Across the United States, about 500,000 to 5 million cases of elder abuse happen every year, health officials estimate, but only between 5 and 20 percent are reported to authorities. Santa Clara County receives about 2,600 cases of elder and dependent abuse annually, which is very likely only a fraction of incidents that occur.
"It is a silent and hidden problem, a major social tragedy that affects every one of our communities and will continue to for decades to come," said Rabbi Bennett Blum, keynote speaker at Thursday's Clergy Summit on Elder Abuse in San Jose.
Abridged Article: Source: mercuryNews
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