|
Financial
abuse of elders and dependent adults is on the rise. In 1999,
225,000 cases of vulnerable adult abuse were reported
in California, of which approximately 25% were reported as financial abuse.
In 2002, at least 250,000 cases were
reported, with approximately 40% identified as financial abuse. Financial
abuse is one of the most under reported
crimes due to the victim's embarrassment, fear of loss of independence,
intimidation by the perpetrator, and widespread
lack of awareness that it is a crime. Victims of elder abuse,
neglect and financial exploitation are 3.1 times more likely to
die at an earlier age than those not victimized. Victims rarely
recover financially and losses often lead to depression,
increased physical problems, reliance on public benefits
and even death. Increased funding and partnership is urgently needed
to fight this growing problem.
|
