In Delaware and
across the nation, senior citizens are too often the victims of
abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Sadly, seniors are often
victimized by members of their own families, or unrelated
individuals, who are responsible for their care. In addition,
unscrupulous individuals who perpetrate various types of fraud
schemes often target the elderly. Seniors who have been the
victims of these crimes may be reluctant, unwilling or unable to
report their victimization.
The Delaware Department of Justice is committed to investigating
and prosecuting those who would take advantage of our senior
citizens.
Since the Fall of 2008, Attorney General Biden's Senior
Protection Initiative has taken new steps to combat elder abuse.
Learn
more about the Senior Protection Initiative.
If you or a senior citizen who you care about is being harmed by
abuse or neglect or is being taken advantage of by an
unscrupulous individual contact:
* The Delaware Department of Justice at 1-800-220-5424; or
* Delaware Adult Protective Services at 1-800-223-9074; or
* If you or a senior citizen who you care about is in immediate
danger, call 911.
The Delaware Department of Justice works to combat senior abuse
by focusing on the following three efforts:
1. Public
Education. The Department of Justice has expanded its public
outreach with programs that encourage victims to report their
abuse, highlight the signs of senior abuse, and educate seniors
about ways to avoid being a victim.
Frequently
asked questions about senior abuse.
| Check
Out... |
Did
You know? |
|
World
Elder Abuse
Awareness Day
www.inpea.net
|
The
national clearinghouse for elder abuse information is
housed at the University of Delaware in the Center for
Community Research and Service
www.ncea.aoa.gov |
2. Law
Enforcement Education. The Department of Justice provides
training to police agencies and first responders about ways to
detect physical abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to
ensure that police recognize the signs of senior abuse.
In April and June 2009, the Attorney General's office held a
two-day statewide training entitled "Recognizing and
Responding to Abuse of the Elderly and the Disabled" for
Delaware law enforcement and first responders. The training was
offered by Attorney General Biden's Senior Abuse Initiative and
hosted by the New Castle County and Harrington Police
Departments, and was designed to educate state and local police
officers, first responders, and other law enforcement personnel
to identify the signs of senior abuse and ensure that those
cases are directed to appropriate personnel for investigation
and prosecution.
Topics that were covered throughout this training included:
* Recognizing the signs of senior abuse and understanding senior
abuse dynamics
* Exploring the correlation between senior abuse and domestic
violence
* Reviewing civil versus criminal statutes and remedies
* Response protocols (recognition, documentation, referral,
investigation)
* Investigative strategies
These training sessions will continue to be held periodically to
educate law enforcement on fighting abuse of the elderly.
3. The
creation of a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Elder abuse
programs nationwide have successfully employed MDTs to open
channels of communication between prosecutors, police, and
social services representatives.
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Elderly VIOLENCE
