Seniors and Crime Prevention National Crime Prevention Council 2007–2008.

Seniors and Crime Seniors and Crime PreventionPrevention

National Crime Prevention CouncilNational Crime Prevention Council

2007–20082007–2008

National Crime Prevention Council National Crime Prevention Council 2007200722

Goal of This PresentationGoal of This Presentation

To examine the various crimes To examine the various crimes against seniors and to look at against seniors and to look at what preventative measures what preventative measures can be taken to prevent themcan be taken to prevent them


ObjectivesObjectives Review current data and future projections Review current data and future projections Review the demographics Review the demographics Learn how seniors feel about crimeLearn how seniors feel about crime Examine the major crimes against seniors, Examine the major crimes against seniors,

including financial crimes, property including financial crimes, property crimes, violent crimes, and elder abusecrimes, violent crimes, and elder abuse

Learn what preventative measures seniors Learn what preventative measures seniors can take to stay safecan take to stay safe


What Do the What Do the Data Say?Data Say?


Seniors TodaySeniors Today Seniors are a large demographic group. Seniors are a large demographic group. An estimated 37 million Americans are 65 An estimated 37 million Americans are 65

years old or older. That’s almost one in years old or older. That’s almost one in ten Americans.ten Americans.

This group constitutes 12 percent of the This group constitutes 12 percent of the U.S. population.U.S. population.

Source: www.census.gov


Older AmericansOlder Americans

Persons 85 years old or olderPersons 85 years old or older An estimated five million Americans fall into An estimated five million Americans fall into

this age group.this age group. This group accounts for two percent of the This group accounts for two percent of the

U.S. population.U.S. population. Persons 85 years old or older are the fastest-Persons 85 years old or older are the fastest-

growing segment of seniors.growing segment of seniors.

Source: www.census.govSource: www.census.gov


More People Getting OlderMore People Getting Older

Americans 65 years old or older are a fast-Americans 65 years old or older are a fast-growing demographic group. growing demographic group.

In 2011, the baby boom generation will begin In 2011, the baby boom generation will begin to turn 65.to turn 65.

By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 72 By 2030, it is estimated that there will be 72 million seniors. This is equivalent to one in million seniors. This is equivalent to one in five Americans!five Americans!

Source: www.census.govSource: www.census.gov


More Foreign-Born SeniorsMore Foreign-Born Seniors Immigration and differences in fertility rates Immigration and differences in fertility rates

have increased the number of minorities, have increased the number of minorities, including seniors. including seniors.

The share of foreign-born elderly is growing. The share of foreign-born elderly is growing. Regionally, that share is nowRegionally, that share is now

• 35 percent in the West35 percent in the West• 10 percent in the Midwest10 percent in the Midwest• 28 percent in the Northeast28 percent in the Northeast• 28 percent in the South28 percent in the South

Source: U.S. Census, Older Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2000Source: U.S. Census, Older Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2000


More Seniors Are Non-English More Seniors Are Non-English Language DominantLanguage Dominant

Older populations are more diverse Older populations are more diverse linguistically; a large percentage are non-linguistically; a large percentage are non-native English speakers. native English speakers.

Source: U.S. Census, Older Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2000Source: U.S. Census, Older Foreign-Born Population in the United States: 2000


Ethnic and Racial Distribution of Ethnic and Racial Distribution of Older AmericansOlder Americans

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Non-Hispanic

white

Non-Hispanic

black

Asian andPacific

Islander

Hispanic All otherraces

2003

2030

2050

Projected distribution of the population group age 65 and older, by race and Hispanic origin, in 2003, 2030, and 2050


Predictions for Seniors Predictions for Seniors Seniors will live longer. Eventual Seniors will live longer. Eventual

declines in cognitive and physical declines in cognitive and physical functions could make them more functions could make them more vulnerable to victimization. vulnerable to victimization.

Seniors may become less in touch with Seniors may become less in touch with innovations and less aware of their innovations and less aware of their vulnerabilities. vulnerabilities.

Services will require more flexibility and Services will require more flexibility and adaptation. adaptation.


Seniors and CrimeSeniors and Crime


Fear of CrimeFear of Crime Two-thirds of seniors believe they will Two-thirds of seniors believe they will

inevitably be victims.inevitably be victims. Many seniors alter their lifestyles because Many seniors alter their lifestyles because

they fear being victimized. they fear being victimized. Almost half of those age 75 or older are Almost half of those age 75 or older are

afraid to leave their homes after dark. afraid to leave their homes after dark. One-third of seniors say fear of crime has One-third of seniors say fear of crime has

contributed to a sense of loneliness and contributed to a sense of loneliness and isolation.isolation.

Source: Age Concern England (www.ageconcern.org.uk) Source: Age Concern England (www.ageconcern.org.uk)


Fear of Crime Fear of Crime (continued)(continued)

Older Americans demonstrate a higher rate of Older Americans demonstrate a higher rate of fear of crime than any other age group, despite fear of crime than any other age group, despite having the lowest victimization rates.having the lowest victimization rates.

Knowledge of their vulnerabilities and reduced Knowledge of their vulnerabilities and reduced self-defense capacities makes them more self-defense capacities makes them more cautious.cautious.


Fear of Crime Fear of Crime (continued)(continued)

Other reasons why crime prevention is important to Other reasons why crime prevention is important to seniorsseniors

Potential recovery from physical or financial Potential recovery from physical or financial injury is often limited.injury is often limited.

Loss of money or physical faculties have more Loss of money or physical faculties have more severe effects than on other age groups. severe effects than on other age groups.

Media frequently portray the elderly as victims Media frequently portray the elderly as victims or, at least, as being vulnerable.or, at least, as being vulnerable.


Most Common Types of CrimesMost Common Types of Crimes Against SeniorsAgainst Seniors

1. Financial crimes 1. Financial crimes

2. Property crimes2. Property crimes

3. Violent crimes3. Violent crimes

4. Elder abuse4. Elder abuse


Financial CrimesFinancial Crimes

These crimes includeThese crimes includeFraudFraudScamsScamsIdentity theftIdentity theftHealthcare fraudHealthcare fraud


Financial Crimes Financial Crimes (continued)(continued)

Financial criminals generally seek to take Financial criminals generally seek to take cash, credit, credit rating, or other assets by cash, credit, credit rating, or other assets by deception. deception.

These are very capable criminals. Many have These are very capable criminals. Many have excellent people skills and/or talent with excellent people skills and/or talent with computers and similar electronic gear. computers and similar electronic gear.

Robbery involves a confrontation and the Robbery involves a confrontation and the threat or use of force, but financial crimes threat or use of force, but financial crimes often involve people who are pleasant and often involve people who are pleasant and seemingly helpful.seemingly helpful.


Why Are Seniors Targets of Why Are Seniors Targets of Financial Crimes?Financial Crimes?

■■ Seniors often have accumulated resources. Seniors often have accumulated resources. Many own their homes and have insurance, Many own their homes and have insurance, pension plans, savings, stocks and bonds, and pension plans, savings, stocks and bonds, and similar assets that may not always be closely similar assets that may not always be closely monitored.monitored.


Why Are Seniors Targets of Why Are Seniors Targets of Financial Crimes? Financial Crimes? (continued)(continued)

Vulnerabilities based on lifestyle Vulnerabilities based on lifestyle Many are accessible by telephone and mail, Many are accessible by telephone and mail,

have time to listen, are too polite to hang up, have time to listen, are too polite to hang up, keep assets readily available, have limited keep assets readily available, have limited experience with investments, can no longer experience with investments, can no longer perform home repairs, and are deeply perform home repairs, and are deeply concerned with maintaining finances to last concerned with maintaining finances to last them through their lives.them through their lives.


Why Are Seniors Targets of Why Are Seniors Targets of Financial Crimes? Financial Crimes? (continued)(continued)

Many are isolated by disability, fear of Many are isolated by disability, fear of violence in the community, lack of peer violence in the community, lack of peer friendships, or lack of transportation. friendships, or lack of transportation.

Many are trusting or complacent or forgetful Many are trusting or complacent or forgetful of details and may be embarrassed to admit of details and may be embarrassed to admit they were victims.they were victims.


FraudFraud

Fraud involves deceit in the commission of a Fraud involves deceit in the commission of a financial crime. financial crime.

Those who commit fraud offer prizes, deals, Those who commit fraud offer prizes, deals, opportunities, and bargains.opportunities, and bargains.

They may advertise with a teaser (e.g., “Earn They may advertise with a teaser (e.g., “Earn money working at home!”) or with a phone call money working at home!”) or with a phone call announcing a “golden opportunity to invest.” Or announcing a “golden opportunity to invest.” Or they may develop personal relationships with, and they may develop personal relationships with, and then prey on, individuals they meet in various then prey on, individuals they meet in various ways. ways.


Fraud Fraud (continued)(continued)

Fraud can take many forms.Fraud can take many forms. Examples include home repairs, auto Examples include home repairs, auto

repairs, new carpet or appliances at repairs, new carpet or appliances at bargain rates, work-at-home schemes, bargain rates, work-at-home schemes, weight loss and similar health-related weight loss and similar health-related programs, stock and related investments, programs, stock and related investments, overseas investments, overseas lottery overseas investments, overseas lottery prizes, amazing deals on commodities prizes, amazing deals on commodities trades, and more.trades, and more.


Fraud Fraud (continued)(continued)

Older people are major targets—they make up Older people are major targets—they make up about 12 percent of the population, but 37 about 12 percent of the population, but 37 percent of telemarketing victims, according to percent of telemarketing victims, according to one study. A telemarketing fraud artist told one study. A telemarketing fraud artist told investigators, “It is an article of faith in this investigators, “It is an article of faith in this business to go after the old folks.”business to go after the old folks.”


StealthStealth

The person takes or takes control of an asset The person takes or takes control of an asset without the victim’s knowledge or consent. without the victim’s knowledge or consent.

Stealth-based financial crimes include identity Stealth-based financial crimes include identity theft; pretext theft (in which someone enters a theft; pretext theft (in which someone enters a home on some pretext, such as asking to use the home on some pretext, such as asking to use the bathroom, then takes property or personal bathroom, then takes property or personal information); computer hacking (illegally information); computer hacking (illegally accessing information on a computer); and similar accessing information on a computer); and similar criminal activities. criminal activities.


Stealth Stealth (continued)(continued)

Stealth-based crimes are usually difficult to Stealth-based crimes are usually difficult to detect unless the possible victim monitors detect unless the possible victim monitors small personal property and financial status small personal property and financial status and bills closely. and bills closely.

Stealth-based crimes may go unreported Stealth-based crimes may go unreported because the victim may be unsure of whether because the victim may be unsure of whether or when a theft occurred. or when a theft occurred.


Identity TheftIdentity Theft

A growing threat: A growing threat: more than 10 millionmore than 10 million

Americans per year are Americans per year are victims of this crime; although victims of this crime; although

seniors are currently a small seniors are currently a small percentage of that number. percentage of that number.


How Identity Theft BeginsHow Identity Theft Begins There are many ways that a criminal can There are many ways that a criminal can

capture key information about an individual.capture key information about an individual.• A “pre-approved” credit card mailingA “pre-approved” credit card mailing• A reply to a phony request to verify account A reply to a phony request to verify account

informationinformation• A bill from a credit card company A bill from a credit card company • A receipt with a name and card number A receipt with a name and card number • A list that a computer hacker has stolen and soldA list that a computer hacker has stolen and sold• Mail or bills from discarded trashMail or bills from discarded trash• Stolen wallets or pursesStolen wallets or purses


Identity Theft Identity Theft (continued)(continued)

The criminal uses information to make aThe criminal uses information to make a

purchase or obtain additional purchase or obtain additional information about a person’s identity.information about a person’s identity.

Social Security numberSocial Security number Bank account numberBank account number Credit card number Credit card number Driver’s license numberDriver’s license number


Identity Theft Identity Theft (continued)(continued)

The criminal then exploits the identity byThe criminal then exploits the identity by• Piling up charges on an accountPiling up charges on an account• Taking money from a bank accountTaking money from a bank account• Opening a new account Opening a new account • Applying for a loan or mortgageApplying for a loan or mortgage• Declaring bankruptcyDeclaring bankruptcy


Discovering the TheftDiscovering the Theft Eventually the exploitation is discovered when Eventually the exploitation is discovered when

the victimthe victim• Receives a bank statement with unknown Receives a bank statement with unknown

transactions transactions • Finds newly created credit card accountsFinds newly created credit card accounts• Tries to apply for a loan and is deniedTries to apply for a loan and is denied• Is arrested for a crime committed by the thief when Is arrested for a crime committed by the thief when

using the stolen identityusing the stolen identity


Reporting and RestoringReporting and Restoringthe Identitythe Identity

The victim reports the identity theft to the The victim reports the identity theft to the police and to the major credit bureaus. police and to the major credit bureaus.

The victim asks the credit bureaus to note the The victim asks the credit bureaus to note the crime on his or her credit reports. crime on his or her credit reports.

Depending on the state, the victim may need Depending on the state, the victim may need to consult with a local victims’ assistance to consult with a local victims’ assistance agency or an attorney for specific steps that agency or an attorney for specific steps that can be helpful or necessary.can be helpful or necessary.


Reporting and Restoring the Reporting and Restoring the Identity Identity (continued)(continued)

The victim should also file a complaint The victim should also file a complaint through the Federal Trade Commission through the Federal Trade Commission registry at registry at www.ftc.govwww.ftc.gov..

The victim needs to complete an affidavit The victim needs to complete an affidavit of identity theft, available at of identity theft, available at www.ftc.gov’s identity theft section.www.ftc.gov’s identity theft section.

NCPC’s Guide for ConsumersNCPC’s Guide for Consumers


Preventing Financial CrimesPreventing Financial Crimes

If someone makes an offer that If someone makes an offer that seems too good to be true, assume seems too good to be true, assume

that it is too good to be true!that it is too good to be true!

Source: NCPC’sSource: NCPC’s Telemarketing 101 Telemarketing 101


Preventing Financial Crimes Preventing Financial Crimes (continued)(continued)

Demand details in writing via U.S. mail and Demand details in writing via U.S. mail and save the envelope, which permits the U.S. save the envelope, which permits the U.S. Postal Inspection Service to help investigate Postal Inspection Service to help investigate any criminal acts. any criminal acts.

Assume that anyone who “must have an Assume that anyone who “must have an answer immediately” is trying to get you to answer immediately” is trying to get you to act before you think. Insist on time to act before you think. Insist on time to investigate the offer on your own. investigate the offer on your own.



Keep track of everything you Keep track of everything you own that is a financial asset. own that is a financial asset.

Monitor credit accounts, bank Monitor credit accounts, bank statements, stock and pension statements, stock and pension fund statements, properties you fund statements, properties you own, and similar assets. own, and similar assets.



Make sure you get all bills and expected checks Make sure you get all bills and expected checks on time. on time.

Criminals have been known to steal mail to steal Criminals have been known to steal mail to steal your identity. Call the company if a bill or check your identity. Call the company if a bill or check is late. If it was mailed on time, call your post is late. If it was mailed on time, call your post office and report postal theft.office and report postal theft.

Use a mailbox with a lock on it. Deposit your Use a mailbox with a lock on it. Deposit your outgoing mail in a United States Postal Service outgoing mail in a United States Postal Service mailbox.mailbox.


Preventing Financial Crime Preventing Financial Crime (continued)(continued)

Don’t risk it, shred it. Don’t risk it, shred it. Shred any material that you are Shred any material that you are

throwing out that identifies you in throwing out that identifies you in any way—bank statements, extra any way—bank statements, extra copies of records, bills, letters copies of records, bills, letters regarding financial matters, and regarding financial matters, and similar documents. similar documents.



Know about your credit. Know about your credit. Get a copy of your credit report at least Get a copy of your credit report at least

once a year to make sure that information is once a year to make sure that information is accurate and complete.accurate and complete.

Every person is entitled to a free copy of his Every person is entitled to a free copy of his or her credit report from each major credit or her credit report from each major credit bureau each year.bureau each year.

Consider ordering reports on a staggered Consider ordering reports on a staggered basis throughout the year. basis throughout the year.


Credit Bureaus Credit Bureaus

The three major credit bureaus are The three major credit bureaus are EquifaxEquifax www.equifax.comwww.equifax.com ExperianExperian www.experian.comwww.experian.com Trans UnionTrans Union www.transunion.comwww.transunion.com


Order Credit ReportsOrder Credit Reports

Three ways to order a credit reportThree ways to order a credit report• Online at Online at www.ftc.govwww.ftc.gov; go to Free Annual ; go to Free Annual

Credit ReportCredit Report• Phone the FTC at 877-322-8228Phone the FTC at 877-322-8228• Mail to: Annual Credit Report Request Mail to: Annual Credit Report Request

Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA Service, P.O. Box 105281, Atlanta, GA 30348-5281 30348-5281


Property CrimesProperty CrimesAgainst SeniorsAgainst Seniors


Property CrimesProperty Crimes

Property crimes against seniors include Property crimes against seniors include BurglaryBurglary LarcenyLarceny Auto theftAuto theft Petty theftPetty theft


Property Crimes Property Crimes (continued)(continued)

More than nine in ten crimes against the More than nine in ten crimes against the elderly are property crimes.elderly are property crimes.

Property crimes, not violent crimes, represent Property crimes, not violent crimes, represent the highest share of crimes against those 65 the highest share of crimes against those 65 years old or older. years old or older.

Source: www.neln.orgSource: www.neln.org


Property Crimes Property Crimes (continued)(continued)

Property crime is any crime when money or Property crime is any crime when money or valuables are damaged or stolen from a valuables are damaged or stolen from a person, home, or business without direct person, home, or business without direct personal contact. personal contact.

This includes burglary from a business or This includes burglary from a business or residence and auto theft.residence and auto theft.

Victims of property crimes suffer financial Victims of property crimes suffer financial losses and may feel violated and continue to losses and may feel violated and continue to feel unsafe long after the crime.feel unsafe long after the crime.


Preventing Auto TheftPreventing Auto Theft Lock the doors. Roll up the windows. Stay Lock the doors. Roll up the windows. Stay

alert and check the surroundings. alert and check the surroundings. Securing your car, even if you are parked in Securing your car, even if you are parked in

your driveway or leaving the car for just a your driveway or leaving the car for just a minute, can be enough to discourage many minute, can be enough to discourage many would-be auto thieves. would-be auto thieves.

Check the car and the area around it before Check the car and the area around it before you get in or out of your car.you get in or out of your car.


Preventing Auto Theft Preventing Auto Theft (continued)(continued)

Consider installing tracking or security Consider installing tracking or security devices on your car.devices on your car.

Take part in car theft prevention programs Take part in car theft prevention programs that allow police officers to stop your car if that allow police officers to stop your car if it’s being driven during hours when you it’s being driven during hours when you don’t normally drive.don’t normally drive.


Preventing Theft While Preventing Theft While ShoppingShopping

Empty wallets and purses beforehand of items Empty wallets and purses beforehand of items you won’t need.you won’t need.

Keep packages out of sight in the car trunk. Keep packages out of sight in the car trunk. Do not walk with your arms full of bundles Do not walk with your arms full of bundles

that limit your line of sight or ability to that limit your line of sight or ability to respond.respond.

Keep your wallet in a front pants pocket or Keep your wallet in a front pants pocket or inside your coat pocket. inside your coat pocket.


Preventing Theft While Preventing Theft While Shopping Shopping (continued)(continued)

Keep purses closed and held Keep purses closed and held snugly near your body. snugly near your body.

Keep all receipts separate from Keep all receipts separate from purchases. purchases.


Preventing Property Crime Preventing Property Crime at Homeat Home

Set up timed lights and have a trusted Set up timed lights and have a trusted neighbor pick up mail and newspapers while neighbor pick up mail and newspapers while you are away. you are away.

Make sure your windows and house number Make sure your windows and house number are visible from the street. Illuminate are visible from the street. Illuminate doorways and walkways. doorways and walkways.

Trim shrubs. Trim shrubs. Ask the police department to perform a Ask the police department to perform a

security survey.security survey.


Violent CrimesViolent Crimes

Seniors experience the lowest number of Seniors experience the lowest number of victimizations and lowest rates of victimizations and lowest rates of victimizations when compared with the victimizations when compared with the general population.general population.

The violent victimization rate of seniorsThe violent victimization rate of seniors has has declined by more than 22 percent since 2001.declined by more than 22 percent since 2001.

Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Source: Bureau of Justice Statistics, Criminal Victimization 2003Criminal Victimization 2003


Violent Crimes Violent Crimes (continued)(continued)

Seniors are victimized at an annual rate of 2.8 Seniors are victimized at an annual rate of 2.8 per 1,000 persons.per 1,000 persons.

Robbery disproportionately affects seniors. It Robbery disproportionately affects seniors. It accounts for a quarter of the violent crimes accounts for a quarter of the violent crimes against seniors, but only one-eighth of the against seniors, but only one-eighth of the violent crimes experienced by persons ages violent crimes experienced by persons ages 12 to 64. 12 to 64.

Source: Bureau of Justice StatisticsSource: Bureau of Justice Statistics


Preventing Violent CrimesPreventing Violent Crimes Remember that most violent crimes Remember that most violent crimes

(except robbery and purse snatching) take (except robbery and purse snatching) take place between people known to each place between people known to each other.other.

Walk assertively, but not aggressively, in Walk assertively, but not aggressively, in public areas. public areas.

When going outside, go with a friend if When going outside, go with a friend if possible. possible.


Preventing Violent Crimes Preventing Violent Crimes (continued)(continued)

Carry only the cash and/or credit cards that are Carry only the cash and/or credit cards that are immediately needed.immediately needed.

Don’t take shortcuts through deserted or dark Don’t take shortcuts through deserted or dark areas. Stay where there are lights and people. areas. Stay where there are lights and people.

When traveling, check with hotel staff about When traveling, check with hotel staff about areas that should be avoided.areas that should be avoided.

If you’re confronted by a robber, hand over If you’re confronted by a robber, hand over your money or valuables. They’re not worth your money or valuables. They’re not worth your life.your life.


Elder AbuseElder Abuse

Approximately 500,000 seniors are victims of Approximately 500,000 seniors are victims of domestic abuse each year.domestic abuse each year.

Estimates are that only 16 percent of cases are Estimates are that only 16 percent of cases are reported. reported.

Family members are frequent offenders; adult Family members are frequent offenders; adult children are responsible for 47.3 percent; other children are responsible for 47.3 percent; other family members, 8.7 percent; spouses, 19.3 family members, 8.7 percent; spouses, 19.3 percent.percent.

Source: National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, 1996Source: National Elder Abuse Incidence Study, 1996


Elder Abuse Elder Abuse (continued)(continued)

These types of crimes includeThese types of crimes include Physical abusePhysical abuse Sexual abuseSexual abuse Emotional or psychological abuseEmotional or psychological abuse NeglectNeglect AbandonmentAbandonment Financial or material exploitationFinancial or material exploitation Self-neglectSelf-neglect


Possible Signs of Physical Possible Signs of Physical Abuse of EldersAbuse of Elders

Although one sign might not indicate abuse, Although one sign might not indicate abuse, many of these are common.many of these are common.

Bruises, pressure marks, brokenBruises, pressure marks, broken bones, bones, abrasions, and burnsabrasions, and burns

Source: National Center on Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.orgSource: National Center on Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.org


Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse of Possible Signs of Sexual Abuse of Elders Elders

Unexplained withdrawal from normal Unexplained withdrawal from normal activities, a sudden change in alertness, and activities, a sudden change in alertness, and unusual depression unusual depression

Bruises around the breasts or genitalsBruises around the breasts or genitals

Source: National Center for Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.orgSource: National Center for Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.org


Possible Signs of Neglect of EldersPossible Signs of Neglect of Elders

More possible signs of elder abuse More possible signs of elder abuse Sudden changes in financial situations may be Sudden changes in financial situations may be

the result of exploitation. the result of exploitation. Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor Bedsores, unattended medical needs, poor

hygiene, and unusual weight loss are hygiene, and unusual weight loss are indicators of possible neglect.indicators of possible neglect.



How To Identify Emotional Abuse How To Identify Emotional Abuse of Eldersof Elders

■■ Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other Behavior such as belittling, threats, and other uses of power and control by spouses is abuse. uses of power and control by spouses is abuse.

Strained or tense relationships or frequent Strained or tense relationships or frequent arguments between the caregiver and elderly arguments between the caregiver and elderly person may indicate abuse.person may indicate abuse.

Source: National Center for Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.org Source: National Center for Elder Abuse, www.elderabusecenter.org


You don’t need absolute You don’t need absolute proof to report abuse.proof to report abuse.

Even if you just suspect Even if you just suspect abuse, call for help. abuse, call for help.


What To Do About Elder AbuseWhat To Do About Elder Abuse

Keep in touch with older friends and gently Keep in touch with older friends and gently question any signs of physical, financial, or question any signs of physical, financial, or emotional abuse that you suspect.emotional abuse that you suspect.

Don’t be surprised if a friend denies abuse; Don’t be surprised if a friend denies abuse; remain in touch, concerned, and observant.remain in touch, concerned, and observant.


What To Do About Elder Abuse What To Do About Elder Abuse (continued)(continued)

If signs persist, call the local office on aging If signs persist, call the local office on aging affairs or the local police department. If you affairs or the local police department. If you are uncertain, check with someone at your are uncertain, check with someone at your senior center or another friend. senior center or another friend.

Start an education campaign for older people Start an education campaign for older people in your community. Share information, in your community. Share information, arrange talks by professionals in the field, and arrange talks by professionals in the field, and set up connections to helplines that can advise set up connections to helplines that can advise seniors on preventing and reporting abuse. seniors on preventing and reporting abuse.


Tips for EldersTips for Elders

These are steps that will help you live healthierThese are steps that will help you live healthierand more safely. and more safely. Take care of your health. Take care of your health. Seek professional help for problems Seek professional help for problems

involving drugs, alcohol, and depression, involving drugs, alcohol, and depression, and urge family members to get help for and urge family members to get help for

these problems.these problems. Attend support groups for spouses and learn Attend support groups for spouses and learn

about domestic violence services.about domestic violence services.


Tips for Elders Tips for Elders (continued)(continued)

Plan for your own future. With a power of Plan for your own future. With a power of attorney or a living will, healthcare decisions attorney or a living will, healthcare decisions can be addressed to avoid confusion and can be addressed to avoid confusion and family problems. Seek independent advice family problems. Seek independent advice from someone you trust before signing any from someone you trust before signing any documents. documents.




Stay active in the community Stay active in the community and connected with friends and connected with friends and family. This will and family. This will decrease social isolation, decrease social isolation, which has been connected to which has been connected to elder abuse. elder abuse.

Source: National Center for Elder Abuse, Source: National Center for Elder Abuse,

www.elderabusecenter.orgwww.elderabusecenter.org



Know your rights. If you engage the services Know your rights. If you engage the services of a paid or family caregiver, you have the of a paid or family caregiver, you have the right to voice your preferences and concerns. right to voice your preferences and concerns. If you live in a nursing home, call your long-If you live in a nursing home, call your long-term care ombudsman. The ombudsman is term care ombudsman. The ombudsman is your advocate and has the power to intervene.your advocate and has the power to intervene.




Stay involved and know your neighbors. Stay involved and know your neighbors. Join a Neighborhood Watch organization. Join a Neighborhood Watch organization. Get involved in the TRIAD group in your area. Get involved in the TRIAD group in your area.

TRIAD is a partnership between the chiefs of TRIAD is a partnership between the chiefs of police, sheriffs, and older and retired leaders in police, sheriffs, and older and retired leaders in a community. This group is committed to a community. This group is committed to reducing victimization and enhancing police reducing victimization and enhancing police services to seniors. services to seniors.


How To Report Elder AbuseHow To Report Elder Abuse

If you suspect that abuse has occurred or is If you suspect that abuse has occurred or is occurring, please tell someone. Relay your occurring, please tell someone. Relay your concerns to the local adult protective services, concerns to the local adult protective services, long-term care ombudsman, or police. long-term care ombudsman, or police.


How To Report Elder Abuse How To Report Elder Abuse (continued)(continued)

If you have been the victim of abuse, If you have been the victim of abuse, exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. exploitation, or neglect, you are not alone. Many people care and can help. Please tell Many people care and can help. Please tell your doctor, a friend, or a family member you your doctor, a friend, or a family member you trust, or call the Eldercare Locator helpline trust, or call the Eldercare Locator helpline immediately. immediately.


How To Report Elder Abuse How To Report Elder Abuse (continued)(continued)

You can reach the You can reach the Eldercare LocatorEldercare Locator by by telephone at telephone at 800-677-1116800-677-1116. .

Specially trained operators will refer you to a Specially trained operators will refer you to a local agency that can help. The Eldercare local agency that can help. The Eldercare Locator is open Monday through Friday, Locator is open Monday through Friday,

9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern Time.



ResourcesResources


NCPC Online ResourcesNCPC Online Resources

Visit NCPC at Visit NCPC at www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org for for information on Elder Issuesinformation on Elder Issues

Crime prevention brochuresCrime prevention brochures Full-text publications onlineFull-text publications online CatalystCatalyst newsletter archives newsletter archives


Other Online ResourcesOther Online Resources

Statistics on Seniors: U.S. Census Statistics on Seniors: U.S. Census Bureau (Bureau (www.census.govwww.census.gov) and Federal ) and Federal Interagency Forum on Aging Related Interagency Forum on Aging Related Statistics (Statistics (www.agingstats.govwww.agingstats.gov))

Fear of Crime: Age Concern Fear of Crime: Age Concern ((www.ageconcern.org.ukwww.ageconcern.org.uk))

Financial Crimes: Federal Trade Financial Crimes: Federal Trade Commission (Commission (www.ftc.govwww.ftc.gov))


Other Online Resources Other Online Resources (continued)(continued)

Elder Abuse: National Center on Elder Abuse Elder Abuse: National Center on Elder Abuse ((www.elderabusecenter.orgwww.elderabusecenter.org))

Crime (General): National Association of Crime (General): National Association of TRIAD, Inc. (TRIAD, Inc. (www.nationaltriad.orgwww.nationaltriad.org))

General Information on Seniors: AARP General Information on Seniors: AARP ((www.aarp.orgwww.aarp.org) and the U.S. Administration on ) and the U.S. Administration on Aging (Aging (www.aoa.dhhs.govwww.aoa.dhhs.gov))

National Criminal Justice Reference Service (National Criminal Justice Reference Service (www.ncjrs.govwww.ncjrs.gov) )


The National Crime Prevention The National Crime Prevention CouncilCouncil

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Suite 500Suite 500

Arlington, VA 22202Arlington, VA 22202

202-466-6272202-466-6272

FAX 202-296-1356FAX 202-296-1356

www.ncpc.orgwww.ncpc.org


Presenter Contact InformationPresenter Contact Information

Seniors and Crime Prevention National Crime Prevention Council 2007–2008.

Documents

Transcript of Seniors and Crime Prevention National Crime Prevention Council 2007–2008.