The Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors officially proclaimed June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month.
Older adults make up 26% of the county’s population, with more than 72,000 residents over the age of 59. Last year, the county received more than 3,000 reports of abuse, ranging from physical or emotional harm, neglect and abandonment to isolation or financial exploitation to an aging population at risk of abuse and neglect.
Despite these numbers, elder abuse goes widely unreported, with national estimates suggesting that only 1 in 25 cases of such abuse is reported to authorities. Often, shame, fear of losing independence and uncertainty about how to seek help can stop older adults from speaking out, experts say.
“Elder abuse can happen in any community, even within our own families. But no one has to go through it alone,” said Melissa Villalobos, social worker and Adult Protective Services (APS) program manager with the county’s Human Services Department in a news release. In a time when programs that support vulnerable older adults, such as the Older Americans Act, Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program face risk of funding loss, the safety and well-being of the county’s older residents holds more importance, Villalobos added.
The Human Services Department’s APS team collaborates with local law enforcement, the county district attorney’s office, the Seniors Council, the long-term care ombudsman and other community partners to prevent abuse, support victims and hold offenders accountable.
“Elder abuse often goes unnoticed,” said Santa Cruz County District Attorney Jeff Rosell, whose office is responsible for charging those accused of elder abuse crimes. “But families can help prevent it with a simple call or visit to elderly loved ones. When abuse is suspected, it’s critical to report it.”
If you or someone you know may be experiencing elder abuse, confidential help is available at the Santa Cruz County APS at 831-454-4101 or www.santacruzhumanservices.org/AdultLongTermCare.
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