In abuse’s shadows
By Alyson Chapman
The Daily Times
Published May 30, 2008
More than 82,000 senior citizens in Texas were affected last year by abuse and neglect.
Adult Protective Services opened 24 abuse cases last month in Kerr County.
The statistics are staggering — and seem to be growing every year.News articles across the country tell the stories of victims of abuse.
A 72-year-old Kentucky man lost more than $100,000 in what turned out to be a scam.
A 78-year-old South Carolina woman was covered with bruises, scrapes and sores on her arms, legs and face.
Some stories hit closer to home.A 71-year-old San Antonio woman was burned by a space heater, punched in the eye and left on the floor to suffer.
These cases were reported to authorities, but 84 percent of elder abuse goes unreported, according to statistics provided by Senior CARES, a division of Hill Country CARES, which serves victims of abuse.
“The biggest reason that the elderly fail to report crimes is frailty, fear or isolation,” said Kerrville Police Department Community Services Officer Mary Krebs. “We all need to be aware of the signs and take action.”Local, state and national organizations have been working throughout May to teach people the signs of abuse during Elder Abuse
But awareness needs to extend past May. Abuse against seniors fits into seven major categories: physical, sexual, emotional, financial, violation of rights, neglect, abandonment and self-neglect.
According to statistics, most abusers are family members, which may include an adult child or spouse.
One of the fastest growing forms of financial abuse is identity theft, with the prime target being seniors.
Reporting abuse
If abuse is suspected, it is important to report it immediately. Call the Kerrville Police Department at 257-8181 or the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office at 896-1216. Adult Protective Services has a hotline for reported abuse at (800) 252-5400.
Abridged
SOURCE: WebDailyTimes
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