Monday, August 27, 2007

The American Psychological Association Estimates 2.1 million older Americans are victims of Physical, Psychological Abuse.- 1 out of every 20 Seniors

And for every case reported, there may be many that are not.

But the psychological association says that most incidents of elder abuse occur somewhere other than in nursing homes and involves members of the abused person's household or paid caregivers.

And the issue also has political dimensions... Eugene Keeler, a former county DA and the Democratic Party nominee for the post in the November election, charged this week that "for the last 12 years there have been instances of elder abuse that have not been investigated." Oh Really !

He cites the case of a man he describes as a "well-connected" local contractor who was accused of scamming $480,000 from 19 individuals in Columbia County, including one senior who paid $50,000 for a modular home that she never received. The state attorney general at the time, Elliot Spitzer, called for a judgment in the case, said Mr. Keeler. "I want to know how this matter was ignored in terms of a criminal case."

Mr. Spitzer if you really want to know, look for the answer No More ! I will tell you Cases like this are routinely labeled 'Civilly Cases" .

Related Posts : Contractor Rips Off 88yr Old(My Mother) in Florida Gets Away with it !

Advocates must continue to work with legislators to close loopholes in prosecuting cases and in conducting investigations of complaints of elder abuse.

"The people with whom I have spoken during my campaign are against plea bargaining for offenders in matters of elder abuse. They want the offenders prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law so that they cannot get out of jail early and re-offend."

To contact reporter Diana Ladden, email dladden@IndeNews.com.

Abridged and Edited for E.A. from IndeNews.Com

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