Home » Law and Legal Articles » Abuse of Elders, Often by Family Members, Is a Growing Problem
Abuse of Elders, Often by Family Members, Is a Growing Problem
While most think elder abuse comes at the hands of strangers, recent studies prove this to be untrue. The main perpetrators are family members.
November 18, 2011 /Law and Legal PR News/ -- Abuse of Elders, Often by Family Members, Is a Growing Problem
Each month, a growing number of web articles, newspapers, and television reports describe horrific tales of physical neglect, financial exploitation, manipulation, and sexual assaults on our nation's elderly. While most think these offenses come at the hands of strangers, recent studies prove this to be untrue. The main perpetrators in cases of elder abuse are family members.
Almost 6 million senior citizens are the victims of abuse each year. According to a 2009 study completed by the National Institute of Justice, an estimated 11 percent of people aged 60 and older experienced some form of abuse or exploitation. The vast majority -- about 80 percent -- go unreported. In 33 percent of cases, perpetrators are the senior's adult children, 22 percent involve other family members, and 11 percent of perpetrators are spouses or intimate partners. Only 16 percent of elderly abuse cases involves abuse by strangers.
Mickey Rooney, the 90-year-old actor, has testified before the United States Senate on his own elder abuse experience and is living proof that elder abuse is not limited by economic station or fame. Elder abuse is an international ill, which crosses racial, gender, ethnic, social and financial lines.
Both federal and individual state laws are in place to protect senior and vulnerable citizens; however, because a significant number of cases go unreported, many times the perpetrators escape punishment and the abuse continues.
Unfortunately, difficulties in curbing elder abuse do not end with enforcement issues. Awareness and community support are needed. Medical professionals need to be further trained on how to recognize and report cases of elder abuse and neglect. Community support groups, such as Meals on Wheels, can do their part by monitoring area seniors, and aging service and advocacy organizations can support community awareness.
When the perpetrator is a family member, however, the extent and nature of elder abuse can often be overlooked. Elderly adults are left with minimal or inadequate physical care. Some are physically abused and sexually assaulted, while others are coerced or exploited. Many more live in fear.
In the case of Mickey Rooney, he has civilly sued his abusers, his wife and her son, for breach of fiduciary duties. The lawsuit claims that Rooney's stepson took his income, as well as abusing him physically and emotionally for years.
In cases of physical abuse and neglect, in addition to civil liability perpetrators also face strict criminal charges, including manslaughter, assault and criminal neglect.
For an unfortunate number of seniors, elder abuse is a reality -- but it can be prevented. If you are concerned an elderly family member is subject to abuse, contact the proper authorities in your state. For example, in California you can contact Adult Protective Services, a local long-term care ombudsman or law enforcement agency. For those who have already experienced elder abuse, contact a personal injury attorney experienced in elder abuse cases to recover costs associated with the abuse and to hold the perpetrators responsible.
Article provided by Mason Thomas
Visit us at www.masonthomas.com/
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