Elder Abuse Bills Clear First Steps at Virginia GA

The Virginia Capitol in Richmond.

RICHMOND—Last week, the Virginia General Assembly took its first steps toward the passage of legislation that will help communities fight elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation of senior citizens and incapacitated adults. Southwest Virginia legislators Senator Ben Chafin and Delegate Todd Pillion sponsored the proposals, Senate Bill 1224 and House Bill 2560, at the request of Wise County & City of Norton Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp. Both Mr Pillion and Mr Slemp are Lee County natives.

On Friday, a senate subcommittee unanimously approved Chafin’s SB 1224 and Wednesday a house committee voted unanimously in favor of Pillion’s HB 2560. With broad bipartisan support, these proposals are expected to move forward with full consideration of the General Assembly in the next few weeks.

The legislation sets forth a framework for localities to establish multidisciplinary team reviews of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation cases. Multidisciplinary teams are groups of professionals from diverse disciplines who come together frequently to discuss abuse cases at all stages of investigation and prosecution, to address specific problems with enforcement, and to increase communications between different stakeholders.

Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp, who testified before committees in Richmond earlier this week, said, “Elder abuse is a growing epidemic in our Commonwealth, but these cases are under-reported and remain very difficult to prosecute for various reasons. Recognizing these challenges, we started a ‘team approach’ to fighting elder abuse in Wise last year and the effort has made a significant difference in countless cases. I am so thankful for the leadership of Delegate Pillion and Senator Chafin on this important issue and I know their efforts will serve to further protect vulnerable adults across Virginia.”

Senator Ben Chafin said, “Everyday, the elderly are taken advantage of financially and abused and it is our responsibility in the General Assembly to help protect the most vulnerable of our citizens. Commonwealth Attorneys and law enforcement need all of the tools available to effectively prosecute elder abuse and financial exploitation. Multidisciplinary response teams will aide in the prosecution of these crimes and will bring these criminals to justice.”

Delegate Todd Pillion said, “Protecting our citizens and their rights is the most important work of government. With an aging population, particularly in rural areas, it’s critical that we form the systems and processes needed to help safeguard folks who may find themselves in abusive situations. We look forward to this legislation passing and hope localities will join Wise County in using this opportunity to address the complex challenges of elder abuse.”

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Elder Abuse Bills Clear First Steps at Virginia GA