Ohio attorney general's increasing investigation, prosecution of elder abuse cases

5/18/2014
ASSOCIATED PRESS

COLUMBUS — Ohio’s attorney general says investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases will be increased under a new program in his office.

Attorney General Mike DeWine says his office’s Crime Victim Services Section is spearheading the Elder Justice Initiative.

DeWine says his office will work with local officials and advocates to identify, investigate, and prosecute elder abuse cases and increase services to victims.

Elder abuse can be physical, sexual, verbal and emotional. It can include neglect, abandonment and financial exploitation.

A Department of Justice study estimated in 2009 that about one in nine people 60 and older are abused each year. Many cases are believed to go unreported.

Ohio’s population of adults age 60 or older stood at 2.28 million in 2010 and is expected to grow significantly in coming years.