Submitted information and photos:
Cobb District Attorney Joyette M. Holmes recognizes today as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“Nearly 100,000 people over the age of 65 call Cobb home, according to Census estimates,” DA Holmes said. “Abuse, neglect and exploitation against this vibrant but vulnerable group cannot be tolerated.”
Holmes’ office partnered with liveSAFE Resources on “yarn storm” art installations in Marietta and Acworth to mark the day. Community members donated hundreds of crocheted and knitted squares for the project. The yarn storms are located at First United Methodist Church near the Marietta Square; around the Acworth Community Center in Logan Farm Park; and at Zion Hill Baptist Church in Acworth. Two photos are attached; see more on Facebook @cobbda. Please visit in person to see the installations and learn more about elder abuse. The Marietta installation will remain up all week.
Senior ADA Jason Marbutt chairs the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force and regularly speaks to citizen groups on how to avoid falling prey to relentless scammers and others who seek to exploit elders. (See attached ‘Tips from the Chairman.’) Marbutt also specializes in prosecuting those who harm the elderly or disabled. Often, perpetrators are ‘friends’ of the victim, or even relatives.
Abuse, neglect and exploitation against people age 65 or older are felony crimes under Georgia law punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
“We hear lots of excuses or rationalizations as to why someone abuses, neglects or exploits an elderly person,” Marbutt said. “This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are some common situations:
- Using undue influence or coercing an elder person to give money or resources to another person IS ELDER EXPLOITATION.
- Using a Power of Attorney to help yourself to an elder person’s money or assets without benefit to the elder IS ELDER EXPLOITATION.
- Failing to provide health care as needed for an elder person IS ELDER NEGLECT.
- Striking, pushing, and yelling at a senior citizen are all ELDER ABUSE.”
If someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911. Non-emergency reports can be made to Adult Protective Services at 866-552-4464 or online at aging.georgia.gov.
Additional resources:
liveSAFE Resources is a 501(c)3 that provides safety and healing to those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and elder abuse by offering services, creating awareness and fostering support within our community. Its 24-Hour Crisis Line is available to anyone needing help: 770-427-3390. For more information, go to: www.livesaferesources.org
National Institute on Aging, www.nia.nih.gov.
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