A little-known but very serious social problem: elders and people with disabilities are, as a group, at high risk for violence, abuse and exploitation. National studies document that about 1 in 20 elders are victims of violence and abuse. In Vermont, where the elder population is about 75,000, this would translate into 3,750 probable new cases each year. It is believed that only about one out of five of these cases ever gets reported.

Another little-known fact: Family members cause more than half of all reported abuse in later life. Shame, dependence on the abuser, fear of retribution, and isolation from the community are significant obstacles that discourage elders from reporting these crimes. When the abuse is reported, police, prosecutors and others in the justice system want to do the right thing, but many do not fully understand the unique risks faced by these victims, best practices for the investigation and prosecution of these crimes, or how to accommodate the special needs of victims once their cases have entered the justice system.

You are invited to explore this section of our website, which offers the perspectives of both local and national agencies and advocates who are engaged in addressing issues of elder abuse, neglect and mistreatment. You will also find resources, statistics, and materials that the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services has developed specifically for this campaign.

For more information about the campaign, or to receive copies of materials, contact Barbara Whitchurch at the Vermont Center for Crime Victim Services, (802) 241-4334, bwhitchurch@ccvs.state.vt.us or Karen Vastine at the Vermont Network Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault, (802) 223-1302.