NC Legislature Examines Elder Abuse
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The population of elderly persons is rising throughout the country, and North Carolina is no exception. The elderly are particularly vulnerable to abuse by relatives and others – increased awareness and prevention are crucial. North Carolina begins its Elder Abuse Awareness Campaign on Mother’s Day, May 13, 2012; it ends on Father’s Day, June 17. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple ribbons to offer support for this campaign.
From the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys email newsletter:
Identifying and preventing elder abuse was the main topic of discussion among delegates to the North Carolina Senior Legislature during its first meeting of the year. Gov. Beverly Perdue reminded the group that by 2030, more than 80 counties in the state are expected to have more people age 60 and older than those age 17 and younger. Perdue urged state legislators to consider the importance of aging services and the need to maintain funding for vital programs, specifically identifying elder abuse as a developing problem in North Carolina.
According to Dennis Streets, director of the Division of Aging and Adult Services (DAAS), the number of Adult Protective Service reports to county departments of social services increased from more than 14,000 in 2006-2007 to nearly 20,000 in 2010-2011. Currently, DAAS is working with the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys to improve access to justice for victims of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
