IL governor launches "Break the Silence" elder abuse prevention campaign

Governor Rod R. Blagojevich today launched the fourth annual statewide “Break the Silence” campaign and proclaimed July as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois.  The Governor and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) are encouraging those who are victims or suspect abuse to call the state’s 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409, where trained professionals are on call prepared to assist. More than 10,000 reports of elder abuse were made during FY 08, which reflects a 16 percent increase in reporting since the campaign was initiated.

“Our seniors have the right to be treated with dignity, respect, and to feel safe and secure.  Unfortunately, many seniors find themselves victims of abuse and neglect which is unacceptable,” said Gov. Blagojevich.  “The sooner we know about a case of abuse, the sooner we can put a stop to it.  But in order to keep up the fight against abuse and neglect, we need everyone to do their part.  If you suspect a case of elder abuse report it.  Elder Abuse prevention will help keep thousands of seniors safe each year.”

It is estimated as many as 80,000 older adults in Illinois are elder abuse victims.  Elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical injury, mental, sexual, or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older.  If you suspect someone is being abused, the following indicators may point to a problem:

· Untreated injuries, sprains or dislocations, scratches and cuts
· Sudden changes in behavior and/or withdrawal in social settings
· A caregiver’s refusal to allow visitors
· Dehydration, malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, untreated health problems, hazardous or unsafe living conditions; and
· Sudden changes in bank account or banking practices, the inclusion of additional names on a victim’s bank signature card, unauthorized withdrawal of the victim’s funds using the victim’s ATM or credit card and abrupt changes in a will or other financial documents.

“Elder abuse happens everyday and most often the cases go unreported,” said IDoA Director Charles D. Johnson.  “We’re working to raise awareness so victims know there is help.  I encourage anyone who is a victim of elder abuse or suspect abuse to call our 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline so that we can help.  No one has to go it alone.”

Since the start of the “Break the Silence” campaign the number of reports of elder abuse has continued to increase.  In FY 05, the year prior to starting the campaign, 8,584 reports of elder abuse were received.  In FY 06, during the first campaign year, the number of elder abuse reports increased to 9,191.  During the second year of the campaign in FY 07, the number of reports increased to 9,535.

If you are a victim of elder abuse or suspect an elder is being abused, call the Illinois Department on Aging’s 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409 or TTY at (888) 206-1327.  Trained professionals are on call and prepared to take reports of elder abuse and forward them promptly to local senior protective service agencies or law enforcement.  All calls and information related to elder abuse are strictly confidential. 

Source:  Office of the Governor of Illinois Press Release, http://www.illinois.gov/PressReleases/ShowPressRelease.cfm?SubjectID=1&RecNum=6950