Elderly Abuse & Exploitation Report

Rep. Longhurst, AG Biden introduce bill to protect vulnerable and infirm adults.
3-30-2010


Elder Abuse & Exploitation
   Elder Abuse Brochure
Patient Abuse
   Patient Abuse & Neglect Brochure 
                                       -  en espanol
Medicaid Fraud
   Medicaid Fraud Brochure 
                          -  en espanol
Senior Victim Advocate Program  
Senior Victim Advocate Brochure
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.