May 03 2009
Ethel was 73 years old when she allowed her daughter and son-in-law to move into her house. Due to the economy, the young couple was struggling financially. They wanted to move in with Ethel until they could get re-established financially.
Within a short period of time, Ethel was living in the smallest room in the house. Bob, her son-in-law, became the self-appointed head of household, making all the decisions. He would frequently intimidate and threaten Ethel to keep her silent. With time, he had control of her finances and would not allow her to have visitors in her home or go out of the home without them in attempt to isolate her from others.
One evening, Ethel confronted him about some missing money and jewelry of hers. He slapped her on the face, causing her to fall. Afterward, he stated, "You are a silly old woman." Ethel felt trapped but was too embarrassed and afraid to report the abuse. She secretly wished that someone would "fill in the blanks" of her situation and contact authorities. It was her only hope.
Unfortunately, Ethel's experience is a common problem to many older adults termed elder abuse. Elder abuse occurs within all socio-economic levels, racial backgrounds and religious groups. Typically, it consists of physical, sexual, and/or financial abuse combined with abandonment, isolation, neglect and self-neglect issues. There are 1.5 million cases of elder abuse reported across the nation each year, but it is estimated that only 1 in 14 case are ever reported.
Eighty-six percent of the abusers have an ongoing relationship with the victim, such as a spouse, partner, adult child and/or an extended family member. As a result, elder abuse is considered a type of domestic violence. Because it is in the family, the abused are often reluctant to report to the authorities due to embarrassment, shame and fear of retaliation. Typically, the only way that elder abuse is reported is from concerned members of the community.
In Kern County, the adult protective services hot line (868-1006) takes approximately 3,000 suspected abuse referrals a year to be investigated. Presently, the abused, aging population relies upon their community to "fill in the blanks" and report any suspected elder abuse that might alleviate their pain, suffering and humiliation. Elder Abuse Awareness Week is May 11-15 for the purpose of educating the local community on this issue.
The 12th annual Elder Abuse Prevention Conference will be held on May 13 on the topic of "Domestic Violence in Later Life." For more information, please contact Kern County Aging and Adult Services Department at 868-1013.
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