Elder abuse is grossly under-recognized and under-reported. It’s estimated that 84 percent of elder abuse cases go unreported and that 40 percent of all elder abuse involves some form of financial exploitation.
Research also has shown that elder abuse can dramatically shorten the life of a victim. The types of elder abuse include physical abuse, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, financial exploitation, denial of critical care by caretaker, self-neglect and verbal/psychological abuse.
Iowa is one of five states that does not have a law specifically addressing the unique needs of older adults. Iowa has a Dependent Adult Abuse Law, which is overseen by the Department of Human Services. Under this law, in order for DHS to intervene in cases of suspected abuse, there must be the following criteria: a dependent adult (a person age 18 or older), a caretaker and an allegation of abuse recognized by Iowa Code 235B or 235E.
This current law does not address the needs of victims who are experiencing abuse from someone who is not their caretaker, nor does it address an older adult who is experiencing self-neglect due to mental health issues or dementia.
Full Article and Source:
Elder Abuse Remains a Grossly Under Recognized Social Injustice
3 comments:
Wake up, Iowa! It's a growing disease and needs dealing with.
Well said. Elder Abuse is under recognized in all states because let's face, it, old folks just don't matter in today's society.
They matter if they have money.
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