If the abused person
is in imminent danger, the police should be
called. Battery and abuse is as much a crime
within families as it is on the street.
If abuse is only
suspected, further investigation should be
conducted by appropriate persons.
Professionals who might be consulted are
doctors, social workers, community health or
home care nurses, psychologists and lawyers.
Investigation of abuse must be undertaken
carefully so that the situation is not
aggravated.
Part of the
investigation could include talking with the
elderly person to determine the accuracy of
the suspicions. If abuse is confirmed, it may
be that he or she prefers to stay in the
situation rather than choose any alternatives
that seem available. Giving information and
discussing all alternatives can be helpful.
Unless the person who is being abused is
unable to care for him or herself or make
personal decisions because of some
disability, he or she has the right to choose
where and how to live.
It may be
appropriate to offer assistance to the
suspected abuser. Counseling and support
services may help alleviate the factors
contributing to the abuse. Relief care of the
elderly person may assist in reducing stress.
If you are being abused, or
if you think someone else is being abused, tell the police. If it
is an emergency, dial 9-1-1. The Elder Abuse Hotline is:
1-800-992-6978. The Adult Protective Services of the Clark
County Prosecuting Attorney is available to you at (812) 285-6364
(Patricia Martin).
