It Takes All of Us to Stop Elder Abuse

Tom Rasmussen, Seattle City Councilmember

The number of elderly people is increasing in Seattle and King County, at greater numbers than other age groups. Unfortunately, the cases of reported elder abuse and neglect are also increasing. Raising public awareness of this issue and getting people to report suspected abuse or neglect can help to reduce this disturbing trend. 

On Wednesday, September 14, 2005, I was pleased to sponsor a forum on Elder Abuse at City Hall. This live televised forum included representatives from the Seattle Police Department, the King County Prosecutor's office and the University of Washington. They reported that the incidence of elder abuse increased 12 percent in 2004 and is already higher this year.

The National Center for Elder Abuse has determined that only about a sixth of all cases are reported. That means that 84 percent of cases remain hidden!    

The forum gave our community an opportunity to discuss crucial information about what people can do to identify and help stop this growing problem. Diane Wherley of the Seattle Police Department Domestic Violence Unit told of the nature and scope of elder abuse. She described the warning signs we should be aware of. Page Ulrey of the King County Prosecutor's Office spoke about the challenges of prosecuting elder abuse and financial exploitation cases. Dr. Maggie Baker, assistant professor at the University of Washington School of Nursing, and Betsy Zuber, Geriatric Specialist for Mercer Island Youth and Family Services, also participated and emphasized the importance of reporting suspected abuse or neglect.

One constant theme we heard was the need for more law enforcement personnel to combat elder abuse in our community. This year, during the City Council's budget process, I intend to advocate for more police to investigate elder abuse. The Seattle Police Department has only one detective to investigate all elder abuse cases and one detective to investigate financial exploitation. The backlog of cases is growing.

Because elder abuse victims can be isolated, we must develop a supportive network for victims of this crime. We learned of the need to improve our ability to work with refugees and immigrants and communities of color. I am interested in expanding state laws that require professionals who work with vulnerable adults to report suspected abuse or neglect, with more professions included. I am also in favor of expanding mandatory criminal background checks to include the records of all other states not just Washington, which is the current requirement.
 
The information we received at the forum will help protect people from elder abuse, and I will work to implement the changes that are needed to strengthen our efforts.

If you have any concerns about a vulnerable adult, please call Adult Protective Services at: 1-866-ENDHARM (363-4276). You could save a life with such a call. 

If you have questions about this forum or would like more information about how you can help with our efforts to stop elder abuse in our community, contact my office at (206) 684-8808 or send me an email at tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov.

If you'd like to watch the forum online, click here to see the video.   

The ADS Advisory Council would like to pay tribute to Eileen Murphy, who recently passed away at the age of 54. Vice-President for Information Services, Eileen was a passionate advocate for older adults. She was a member of the King County Elder Abuse Coalition. Under her leadership, Senior Information and Assistance (I&A) expanded its effectiveness in linking callers to appropriate help, and is nationally recognized as one of the best I&A programs in the country.

Eileen's obituary in the Seattle Times tells more about her life and work. She will be deeply missed.