LAWRENCECOUNTY - MAY 31, 2023 - Lawrence County Prosecutor Samuel C. Arp II is using the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, to call attention to the problem of abuse, neglect or exploitation of elders and urges citizens to learn the warning signs of mistreatment.
The older adult population is growing faster in the U.S. than are younger populations, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many older adults require care and are vulnerable to violence perpetrated by a caregiver or someone they trust.
Lawrence County Prosecutor Samuell Arp II
“Elder abuse is common. Abuse, including neglect, battery, fraud, and exploitation, is experienced in about 1 and 10 people aged 60 and older who live in a home,” said Samuel C. Apr II. “However, so many situations go unreported. Whether that be because they don’t have the physical capability or lack of support to ask for help – or because they don’t want to accuse a caregiver or family member of harm and get them in trouble.”
Elder abuse commonly occurs at the hands of a caregiver or a person the elder trusts. These types of elder abuse include:
Physical abuse is when an elder experiences illness, pain, injury, functional impairment, distress, or death as a result of the intentional use of physical force and includes acts such as hitting, kicking, pushing, slapping, and burning.
Sexual abuse involves forced or unwanted sexual interaction of any kind with an older adult. This may include unwanted sexual contact or penetration or non-contact acts such as sexual harassment.
Emotional or Psychological abuse refers to verbal or nonverbal behaviors that inflict anguish, mental pain, fear, or distress on an older adult. Examples include humiliation or disrespect, verbal and non-verbal threats, harassment, and geographic or interpersonal isolation.
Neglect is the failure to meet an older adult’s basic needs. These needs include food, water, shelter, clothing, hygiene, and essential medical care.
Financial abuse is the illegal, unauthorized, or improper use of an elder’s money, benefits, belongings, property, or assets for the benefit of someone other than the older adult.
“Many of these situations are extremely troubling and sad. We depend on the community, friends and family members to report abuse when it occurs so action can be taken to stop or prevent it in the future,” said Samuel C. Arp II.
An individual who believes or has reason to believe that someone is an endangered adult and is a victim of neglect (including self-neglect), abuse, or exploitation is required by law to make a report to law enforcement (911), local Adult Protective Services, or through the Indiana APS Hotline at 800-992-6978. The report may be confidential.
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