Website Brings Attention to the Epidemic of Elder Abuse
One of the most important parts of this holiday season is the opportunity to enjoy time with family members. This year in particular, with the recent tragedy in Connecticut fresh in our minds and our hearts, people are holding tight to their loved ones. Along with appreciating the vibrancy, joy, and unbridled potential of youth, it is also important to embrace the value of age and to spend time with and learn from our older community members. Our Panama City elder law team believes in protecting our seniors, especially those made vulnerable by diminished mental and physical capacity, and we support efforts aimed at combating the alarming epidemic of elder abuse.
The Disturbing Statistics: One in Ten Seniors Reports Elder Abuse
An article on the online resource PRWeb contains a startling and upsetting figure: there were almost 6 million reported instances of elder abuse in the United States during the year 2010. This means that nearly 1 in 10 American seniors reported experiencing some form of abuse. While this statistic, compiled by the National Center on Elder Abuse ("NCEA"), seems high, the real number is likely significantly higher since many victims do not report the abuse. Victims may fear retaliation and are especially likely to refrain from reporting abuse when it is at the hands of a family member. This is a major issue since the NCEA study found 68% of senior abuse cases involved abuse by a family member or loved one.
New Elder Abuse Web Site Aimed at Providing Information and Resources
Thankfully, there are people and organizations working to stop this epidemic. Elder-Abuse.net is a new website dedicated to preventing elder abuse and helping victims. Spokesman Dan Daniels called elder abuse "a silent crisis in the U.S.," noting that it has not gotten anywhere near the level of attention necessary to bringing the crisis to an end. The new portal seeks to shine a light on the issue. Founders hope it will also provide a voice for a voiceless group of victimized seniors who may feel alone and may not know where to turn for support.
As the web portal grows, Elder-Abuse.net will house a wealth of information, addressing the problem of elder abuse from many different angles. The site discusses the different forms of abuse, including physical abuse, emotional mistreatment, and financial fraud. It also addresses the problem of elder neglect and how that can constitute abuse. In addition to providing general information about the problem of abuse, organizers hope the site will help those in need of assistance. Visitors to the website will be able to learn how to report abuse to relevant authorities. Victims and concerned loved ones will also be able to use the site to locate state and local resources for those harmed by elder abuse. As Daniels notes, it is vital that such information is available and that victims feel comfortable reaching out before it becomes too late.
Choosing The Pittman Firm as your Panama City Elder Abuse Law Firm
Why choose The Pittman Firm to help you or your loved one with an elder abuse case? Wes Pittman is an experienced elder abuse attorney who understands the legal system and the specific issues involved in Florida elder law cases. With more than 35 years of experience, he knows how to prepare and present your case with authority, and he is ready to address any issue that may arise in your civil lawsuit.
Additionally, and as importantly, our entire Panama City elder law team is committed to treating every client with respect. We understand that these cases involve serious and emotional issues. We will partner with you, keeping you informed and involved in your case. Together, we will work to end the abuse, recover due compensation, and seek justice. We will also continue to support efforts such as Elder-Abuse.net, declaring that elder abuse is unacceptable in our society and working to bring an end to this tragic epidemic.