Attorney General Dave Yost harbors a special contempt for predators who exploit Ohio’s most vulnerable victims, including the elderly.
“Shouldn’t some things be off limits, even to criminals?” Yost says.
Sadly, though, that’s not the case. In the past seven years, Ohio has seen a 400% increase in cases of elder abuse, which includes neglect as well as physical, emotional and sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. Even more astounding: In the vast majority of cases, the abuser knows the victim well.
To combat the problem and increase reporting, Yost has launched a statewide campaign aimed at educating Ohioans about this “devastating yet often-invisible crime” and eliminating any stigma associated with being a victim.
Estimates show that one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older suffer abuse, but that only one in five cases are reported.
“There is an epidemic of underreporting,” Yost said. “Our elders need to know that there is no shame in being victimized. The shame belongs only to those who harm and take advantage of vulnerable residents.”
In remarks to his Elder Abuse Commission, Yost introduced a video — titled “What’s Done in the Dark” — featuring several Ohioans who have fallen victim to elder abuse.
Apart from feeling embarrassed, abuse victims may fear retaliation, may have physical or mental limitations, may be dependent upon their abuser, or may blame themselves for the abuse — factors that contribute to the underreporting problem.
Yost said it’s important for aging Ohioans to know that others care about their suffering and that reporting the crime is the best way to put a stop to it.
“I cannot stress this enough: You are not alone. You are the victim, and we are here to help.”
The Attorney General’s Elder Justice Unit is made up of experts from multiple sections of Yost’s office: the Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Consumer Protection, Crime Victim Services, Health Care Fraud and Special Prosecutions.
The message is loud and clear: Elder abuse in any form will not be tolerated.
Partners in prevention
As part of his statewide campaign targeting elder abuse, the Attorney General’s Office is partnering with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to promote the initiative and educate pharmacists on how to spot elder abuse and exploitation.
David E. Burke, former executive director of the Pharmacists Association, said the organization is eager to see the collaboration “lead to the prosecution of these heinous acts against seniors. Pharmacy plays a role in maintaining health and dignity. With this effort, that assistance extends beyond the pharmacy counter."
The Attorney General’s Office is developing training for pharmacists to help them identify those being exploited or abused. Pharmacies also will be showcasing campaign materials in their stores and attaching information to prescriptions.
The partnership is the first of many that Yost’s office is seeking to form with “front line” organizations that regularly come in contact with older Ohioans.
In addition to Ohio’s pharmacists, the Attorney General’s Office also is working with the banking and nursing home associations to enlist their support in the effort.
“It’s going to take all of us — pharmacists, bankers, law enforcement, physicians, retirement communities, and you and me — to get at the root of this scourge,” Yost said. “Our senior citizens deserve dignity, protection and justice as much as anybody else.”