AARP Kansas Shines Light on Elder Abuse
By: Source: AARP.org Date Posted: 2006-06-29 12:34:35.757297-04:00
"Its difficult to picture people, some in their 60's, 70's and 80's being subject to physical and emotional domestic abuse," says former Kansas Attorney General Robert T. Stephan. "But it's happening right here in Kansas and we want to make sure that those who are too scared or ashamed to speak up, know that help is available."
AARP Kansas is teaming up with Governor Kathleen Sebelius to focus attention on elder abuse in Kansas. Stephan, who chairs the Governor's Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board, said domestic violence is a crime that many people perceive as happening to young women.
But according to an article in the January/February 2006 issue of AARP The Magazine, contrary to popular belief, domestic abuse doesn't happen only to younger, underprivileged women. It affects all classes and races and every age group. And while experts on domestic violence used to think the problem tapered off by age 50, they are now realizing that older victims don't show up at shelters or call police. Many of them suffer in silence.
In Kansas during 2004, 1,156 (nearly seven percent) of the 11,904 victims of reported domestic violence (both women and men) were 50 and older according to information compiled from reports by Kansas law enforcement agencies. However, It is estimated that only one of 14 domestic elder abuse incidents (nationwide) comes to the attention of authorities.
"Because elder abuse almost always occurs within the home, it is without a doubt under reported," said Stephan. "It remains the dark secret within the family."
Sadly, adult children are the most frequent abusers of the elderly. In almost 90% of the elder abuse and neglect incidents with a known perpetrator, the perpetrator is a family member and two-thirds of the perpetrators are adult children or spouses.
"With the help of AARP, we can get the word out that there are resources available in Kansas to help those who are victims of domestic violence, no matter what age they are," Stephan said. "We want them to know that they don't have to suffer in silence."
If you or someone you know is the victim of domestic violence, call 1-888-END ABUSE (1-888-363-2287 to find resources to assist you.
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