Police work to train to combat problem
By Dawn Jones
GENESEE COUNTY (WJRT)
(03/24/09)--Elder abuse is a growing problem -- not only nationally, but in Mid-Michigan.
That's why a new effort is underway to help law enforcement officers identify potential victims.
Elder abuse is a crime that takes on many forms. It can take on physical, sexual emotional or financial forms of exploitation.
"The real emphasis today I want on senior safety is how do we keep our seniors safe," said Genesee County Sheriff Robert Pickell.
If they are abused, if they are exploited, how do we deal with it? We want to teach investigative strategies and the dynamics of elder abuse."
In the first two months of the year, 27 felony warrants involving elder abuse were issued in Genesee County.
A Flint Township man is facing murder and vulnerable adult abuse charges in the death of his 73-year-old mother.
Authorities say he was her sole caretaker. Elder abuse by a loved one is becoming more common.
The two-day training session is being sponsored by Elder Law of Michigan through a grant from the U.S. Justice Department.
If you suspect someone is a victim of elder abuse - contact the Genesee County Elder Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Team.
For more information, you can click here. You can also
Call the Vulnerable Adult help line at (800) 996-6228. You can also call the legal hotline for Michigan seniors at (800) 347-5297.
You can also call the Genesee County Elder Abuse and Exploitation Prevention Team at (810) 762-4002.
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