AARP Backed Elder Abuse Law Takes Effect July 1

By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2007-05-30 13:04:17.112832-04:00

Elderly and vulnerable citizens in South Dakota now have greater protections against abuse thanks to new state law. Senate Bill 193, which Governor Mike Rounds signed into law March 15, creates clear definitions of elder abuse, spells out a mechanism for reporting suspected abuse, and provides immunity to individuals and other entities from any civil liability for reporting suspected cases of abuse.

"South Dakota now has explicit protections from abuse, neglect and financial exploitation that our older residents may unfortunately experience later in life,"said AARP South Dakota Associate State Director for Advocacy, Sam Wilson. "AARP is pleased the legislature recognized the importance of meeting the needs of our aging population. We thank those who worked diligently to protect the rights and to ensure the well-being of our older citizens."

Senator Mac McCracken and Representative Joni Cutler sponsored the legislation on behalf of AARP.

The provisions of SB 193 will become increasingly important as the state's elderly population grows from 110,000 in 2005 to more than 143,000 by 2020.

Several important findings highlight the importance of this issue.

  • Only 2 percent of the total dollars expended for identification and prevention of abuse is targeted toward elder abuse. Child and domestic abuse make up the remaining 98 percent of funding.
  • The American Journal of Public Health reported in 2003 that the average reporting rate of elder abuse around the country is 5.9 cases per thousand individuals. In South Dakota, the reporting rate is 1.9 cases per thousand individuals.
  • The Journal of Emergency Medicine estimates that the actual number of elder abuse cases is closer to 3-10 percent of the total population. That would make the number of cases tenfold higher than is currently reported across the country.
  • The average victim of elder abuse is a white female, age 77, with little personal contact except for perhaps a spouse or caregiver.
  • Elders who are victims of abuse have triple the mortality rate of their non-abused counterparts.

South Dakota remains one of only six states that do not require mandatory reporting of elder abuse by individuals in the community who frequently come in contact with individuals over the age of 60.

Related Articles

  • World Elder Abuse Awareness 2007: Ask the Expert Session
    AARP will host this online Q & A Session with experts on elder abuse issues from June 1 - 15, 2007.
  • Perspectives on Elder Abuse
    As part of the NGO Forum on Aging, AARP hosted a workshop providing an opportunity for experts from five countries to share perspectives on elder abuse and how it is being addressed in their countries.

Other Resources

  • South Dakota Adult Services and Aging
    State Web site for South Dakota Department of Social Services elderly services and resources
  • Helplines and Hotlines
    South Dakota Adult Services and Aging
    605-773-3656
    South Dakota Domestic Abuse Hotline
    1-800-430-SAFE (7233)