Why Elder Justice Now?
Elder justice is the right of every older person to be free of abuse, neglect and exploitation. Beyond the emotional and psychological toll that elder abuse causes the nation’s elderly and their families, there are many other reasons why we need Congress to take action to address this issue now.
- The number of older Americans is growing fast, and so is the problem of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Those who work on the front lines to prevent, fight and prosecute elder abuse must have far more resources in order to help victims and their families.
- More information sharing is needed about best the best ways to prevent elder abuse and protect America’s elders.
- The capacity of prosecutors to bring elder abuse charges is uneven and must be increased.
- Increased awareness as well as training and education is needed by seniors, their families, caregivers, law enforcement and financial institutions
Victim’s Stories Build the Case for Elder Justice Now
This story from Madalyne Houseman, of Saint Louis, Michigan, is one of many stories collected as part of the Elder Justice Now campaign. Madalyne’s mother suffered neglect and financial abuse by her son and Madalyne had to step in.
To view more stories, click here.
What Would Passing the Elder Justice Act Do?
The Elder Justice Act (S. 795 / H.R. 2006) creates a combined law enforcement and public health approach to study, detect, treat, prosecute and, most importantly, prevent elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. Congress is set to act on this legislation, but it has been shelved before.
The Elder Justice Act would:
- Bring elder justice the national attention it needs and deserves.
- Improve the quality, quantity and accessibility of information about elder abuse.
- Increase security, collaboration, and consumer information on Long-Term Care.
- Develop larger forensic capacity and increase prosecution.
- Provide victim assistance, “safe havens,” and support for at-risk elders.
- Provide training to combat elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
- Include special programs to support underserved populations including rural, minority and Indian seniors.
- Increase knowledge and support promising projects and study model state laws and practices.
- Ensure evaluation of “what works” and accountability for funds spent.
For more detailed information about the legislation, please visit the Elder Justice Coalition’s website.
I am so happy to see that some focus in legislation is on Seniors. I am a Victim Advocate with the Richmond County District Attorneys Office and I deal with the Senior victims. There are so many things that happen to them its sinful. All seniors should be treated special and put on a pedestal since in my eyes, they are our living history. They have so much knowledge which people take for granted.
What seems to be the perfect family!
From a peaceful family that never fought, and from a family that would travel great lengths to make sure their Mom was in good health. You will never believe when what is Best for Mom turns out to be What certain family members can stick in their pockets. Witness the lies, diversions and hypocrisy to cover up the LOOTING over the years!
The story unfolds here.
How can we help our senior citizens from being victims of these hienous crimes? Our seniors should be revered, not abused.
We need to make sure the government steps in to help protect the truley helpless. It is astonishing to have to question the safety of our parents and grandparents in a facility that is put in place in order to care and watch over them during times when we cannot. Where do these criminals get off doing what they do. For shame!
@Rose Ann Elfrey
Rose Ann, there are so many ways to help but the one we are focused on now is getting the Elder Justice Act passed as it is foundational legislation that will help our elders just as the Child Abuse Prevention Act passed in 1974 did for child abuse and the Violence Against Women Act passed in 1994 did to protect women from domestic violence. The EJA will not solve the issue of abuse by any stretch but it’s a start as it would be the first time our country has made a national statement that it is important to protect our elders. This also gives us the foundation we need to build a moment just as the child and woman’s advocates have. So if you can, please write to yoru Congressional representatives and ask them to Pass the Elder Justice Act — they could do it this fall. Ask your friends to do this too if they can.