State Police seek to raise awareness of elder abuse

Maine State Police cruisers on Friday began displaying a bumper sticker “No Excuse for Elder Abuse”,  to help raise awareness of the problem. The bumper sticker will be displayed through June 15, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

The Chief of the State Police, Colonel Robert Williams said more than 33,000 older Mainers are abused each year, either by financial exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and abandonment.

“Where one form of abuse is present, other types of abuse are often there as well,” Williams said. “There are many agencies in Maine to address the problem of elder abuse, and law enforcement is taking a lead role in helping prevent and respond to the issue, including State Troopers.”

“Elder abuse cases are very complex and in order to properly address them, it’s important for a team of people to be at the table,” said State Police Sgt. Patrick Hood, who has spearheaded the State Police effort.  “We know that we need to work with advocates, health care representatives, financial institutions, legal aid services, and others to effectively respond to all forms of elder abuse.”

State Police vehicles will display the bumper sticker until June 15, which is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. (Courtesy images)

Hood said that raising awareness about elder abuse is helpful to remind the public that the problem exists; and family, neighbors and friends may see signs of concern about elderly family members or neighbors.  Hood said that checking in on a neighbor or speaking up when you notice something amiss could change someone’s life.

“We’ve had cases where people don’t want to be in someone else’s business, so they just don’t say anything,” Hood said. “However, that is often how elder abuse cases come to light. A report to law enforcement can be confidential, so if you see something, say something.”

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day officially takes place on Sunday, June 15.

To learn more about how to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Maine, visit www.elderabuseprevention.info.