Published July 29, 2008
The state Department of Social and Health Services is wrapping up Adult Abuse Prevention Month.
We often think about and react to abuse of children, but the sad fact is that frail and elderly adults are at equal risk. They, too, deserve our protection. But only one in five cases of abuse is reported.
"Protecting the state's vulnerable people is the responsibility of each of us," said Kathy Leitch, assistant secretary for the Aging and Disability Services Administration, a division of DSHS. "Our goal is to help the general public recognize abuse, neglect and financial exploitation, and to advocate for safety on behalf of vulnerable adults."
The state agency is offering a free Adult Abuse Prevention Kit, available by calling 800-422-3263 . The kit also can be downloaded at www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/aps.
According to DSHS statistics, Adult Protective Services reported a steady increase in allegations of abuse, abandonment, neglect, self-neglect and financial exploitation from 2001 to 2006. In 2007, the state agency received 13,553 allegations. To report cases of suspected elder abuse, call 866-363-4276 . Children and vulnerable adults merit our attention and protection.
SOURCE: The Olympian
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