BY Ohio
OHIO — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a new statewide campaign focused on stopping financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse.
According to Yost’s office, approximately one in 60 Ohioans 60-years-old and older suffer abuse, while only one-in-five cases are reported.
“There is an epidemic of under-reporting,” Yost said. “Our elders need to know that there is no shame in being victimized. The shame belongs only to those who harm and take advantage of vulnerable residents.”
The campaign centers on a video titled “What’s Done in the Dark,” which aims to educate Ohioans about the crime and eliminate the stigma associated with being a victim. It will be shared by Yost’s Elder Justice Unit at public events throughout the state.
The video within the campaign features several Ohio victims.
“Ohio owes a debt of gratitude to those who have helped to create this inspiring video,” Yost said. “We should all be proud of our fellow Ohioans who — for the greater good of our great state — stepped forward to share their painful stories so that others may have the strength and courage to do the same. God bless them.”
For the past seven years, Ohio has seen a 400% increase in cases of elder abuse according to state statistics, including neglect, physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse.
“It’s hard to wrap your head around, but the main perpetrator in about 90% of cases is a family member or another trusted individual,” Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel explained in the video. “They have access and knowledge of the victim — it’s a tragedy every time.”
Officials said many victims may be embarrassed, fear retaliation, have physical or mental limitations, may be dependent on their abuser or blame themselves for the abuse, which contributes to the under-reporting issue.
“Many times, seniors are reluctant to report abuse because of embarrassment, and it’s really up to us to protect them,” Schiffel said. “And that means being vigilant.”
Yost said it is important for older Ohioans to know that others care and that reporting the crime is the best way to stop it.
“I cannot stress this enough: You are not alone,” Yost said. “You are the victim, and we are here to help.”
The Attorney General’s office is also partnering with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to promote the campaign and educate pharmacists about spotting elder abuse and exploitation.
“Pharmacy plays a role in maintaining health and dignity,” David E. Burke, executive director of the Pharmacists Association, said. “With this effort, that assistance extends beyond the pharmacy counter.”
Pharmacies will also showcase the campaign materials in their stores and attach information to prescriptions.
“It’s going to take all of us — pharmacists, bankers, law enforcement, physicians, retirement communities and you and me — to get at the root of this scourge,” Yost said. “Our senior citizens deserve dignity, protection and justice as much as anybody else.”
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Ohio initiative aims to stop elder abuse, exploitation
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