District Attoney's Elder Abuse Unit 'Gets More Money'-

Supervisors OK Funds to Improve District Attorney's Elder Abuse Unit
By Christi Anne Corpus Signal Staff Writer Santa Clarita Valley California

Victimized senior citizens gained further assistance to fight elder abuse after the Board of Supervisors announced Tuesday its approval of a $180,000 state grant for the county District Attorney's Elder Abuse Unit.

The unit - which handles cases of neglect, mental abuse, financial and physical abuse, consumer scams, and fraud - caters to the more than 1 million seniors throughout Los Angeles County. In 2005, there were 21,950 reported cases of abuse, according to county reports.

"This action will enhance and improve our efforts to provide vital services to prevent and prosecute crimes against our Los Angeles County seniors," Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich said in a statement.

The Elder Abuse Unit, one of the first of its kind, employs specially trained attorneys that vertically prosecute cases, which means that one deputy district attorney handles a case from beginning to end, according to the District Attorney's Web site.

To report forms of abuse, call the Elder Abuse Hot line at (877) 477-3646, or contact the SCV Sheriff's Station at (661) 255-1121.