‘No Excuse for Elder Abuse’ is new Maine State Police campaign

Maine State Police cruisers are now displaying a bumper sticker “No Excuse for Elder Abuse,” to help raise awareness of the problem. The bumper sticker will be displayed through June 15, which is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Colonel Robert Williams, chief of the Maine State Police, said more than 33,000 older Mainers are abused each year, either by financial exploitation, physical and sexual abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, and abandonment. Williams said, “Where one form of abuse is present, other types of abuse are often there as well. There are many agencies in Maine to address the problem of elder abuse, and law enforcement is taking a lead role in helping prevent and respond to the issue, including state troopers.”
“Elder abuse cases are very complex and in order to properly address them, it’s important for a team of people to be at the table,” said Sergeant Patrick Hood, who has spearheaded the state police effort. Hood said “We know that we need to work with advocates, health care representatives, financial institutions, legal aid services, and others to effectively respond to all forms of elder abuse.”
Hood said that raising awareness about elder abuse is helpful to remind the public that the problem exists; and family, neighbors and friends may see signs of concern about elderly family members or neighbors.  Hood said that checking in on a neighbor or speaking up when you notice something amiss could change someone’s life.
“We’ve had cases where people don’t want to be in someone else’s business, so they just don’t say anything,” Hood said. “However, that is often how elder abuse cases come to light. A report to law enforcement can be confidential, so if you see something, say something.”
To learn more about how to prevent and respond to elder abuse in Maine, visit www.elderabuseprevention.info.