Idaho Governor Signs Proclamation to
Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse
June 15, 2016 (Boise, Idaho) – With a rise in reported cases of physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse as well as neglect of elderly citizens, Idaho Governor, Butch Otter has signed a proclamation recognizing June 15th as Idaho Elder Abuse Awareness Day (IEAAD). The proclamation announces the support of Idaho communities to older adults experiencing different forms of abuse, which is a global issue. This year marks the 10th anniversary of World Elder Abuse Day.
Governor Otter said, “People in every community should be aware of the signs of elder abuse. They need to intervene when abuse is suspected, report it and help educate others on the signs of elder abuse.”
The issue of elder abuse is one that goes unnoticed by many people, including the victims. Psychology Today reported that over 550,000 adults aged 60 and older experience some form of abuse or neglect, and only 1 in 14 cases of abuse or neglect are reported to authorities. It also states that surprisingly, the majority of abusers are relatives of the victims.
The FACES Victim Advocacy Center is the Department spearheading this project. “As our population ages, reports of elder abuse are steadily rising,” said Jean Fisher, FACES COO and Deputy Prosecutor for Ada County. “Our most common form is financial exploitation, but right behind that is physical abuse and neglect,” Fisher said. “And unfortunately, so much of the abuse is committed by family members that it’s a very, very difficult sort of abuse to prove in court.”
Fisher added, “FACES helps victims of elder abuse regardless of criminal prosecution through grants and local fundraisers by the FACES Foundation which helps support direct emergent victim services such as temporary housing, transportation, prescriptions, and legal protection orders and evictions.”
IEAAD intends to give abuse and neglect of Idaho seniors a relevance that will sustain and move prevention efforts forward throughout the years to come. It is also a day to educate older adults and their families on how to handle abusive situations and what their rights are in those cases. The holiday is hosted in conjunction with the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA).
For more information about Elder Abuse Awareness, please visit http://facesofhopevictimcenter.org/.
About FACES Victim Advocacy Center:
FACES Victim Advocacy Center is a department of Ada County. The collaborative effort brings law enforcement, medical providers, prosecuting attorneys, domestic violence and sexual assault service providers, legal services, and victim advocates together to help victims of child abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, and elder abuse.
FACES provides one location for victims to access services in a safe, private, and supportive setting. We provide both a location and a way of doing business characterized by partnerships and collaboration. We are designed to be a safer and more supportive for victims, while creating a more effective justice system.