How to stop elder abuse

SANDUSKY — Various state officials recently announced that they are partnering up with other agencies to help increase awareness and combat elder abuse and financial exploitation. Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost's office recently announced that the Ohio Bankers League and the Ohio Health Care Association are collaborating with his office in a statewide effort to raise awareness among Ohioans about the warning signs of elder abuse and prevention measures, according to a news release from the Ohio Attorney General's Office. During the past seven years, the state has seen a 400% increase in elder abuse, and one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older suffers from abuse. But only one in five cases are reported, which means many perpetrators are getting away with their crimes, the release states. The new partnerships involve training to: • Recognize elder abuse and financial exploitation signs • Distribute educational materials to boost awareness and offer clear guidance for victims and families on where to seek help • Utilize partner websites, member networks and public platforms to broaden outreach and encourage reporting of elder abuse. "When you're dealing with an epidemic, you need a big army," Yost said. "These partnerships are critical." The Ohio Pharmacists Association also partnered in a similar role last year, which Yost said further expands the network of frontline workers who often work with seniors and can spot signs of abuse. Local response Sue Daugherty — executive director of Serving Our Seniors, which empowers, advocates for and safeguards senior citizens throughout Erie County — shared ways in which residents can directly help themselves or others from being victims of elder abuse and financial exploitation. The best defense? Become informed, get involved and go for training, she said. Daugherty said that while statewide efforts are important, real progress depends on local action. Community members and professionals should learn how to recognize and report suspected financial abuse without fear of being wrong. Free virtual training for mandated reporters is available through Serving Our Seniors using a curriculum developed by the Benjamin Rose Institute. She also encourages people to join the Ohio Coalition of Adult Protective Services, where professionals and older adults work together to prevent abuse and strengthen advocacy across the state. Finally, building personal knowledge through educational opportunities, such as the coalition training conference, helps create a community better equipped to protect vulnerable older adults and support the Ohio Attorney General's vision of an abuse-free Ohio. For more information, people are encouraged to visit servingourseniors.org or call 419-624-1856 for the virtual training seminar or 419-366-0624 to learn more about the Ohio Coalition of Adult Protective Services. Where to get help For those who suspect they or someone they know might be a victim of elder abuse or exploitation, Yost's office encouraged contacting your local law enforcement agency or local Adult Protective Services office. More resources can be found at ohioattorneygeneral.gov/Individuals-and-Families/Seniors/Elder-Abuse-Resource.