NATIONAL DISTRICT ATTORNEYS ASSOCIATION REMAINS STAUNCH IN ITS COMMITMENT TO PROTECT AMERICA’S ELDERLY POPULATION
ALEXANDRIA, VA -- March 26, 2003 – The Board of Directors of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA) recently reaffirmed its stand against elder abuse. Since May of 1986, NDAA has become increasingly concerned about the growing problem of elder abuse and its impact on elder victims and society as a whole.
Elders frequently suffer in silence from physical trauma, financial devastation and emotional distress because they have been the victims of anonymous criminals – or even worse – by once trusted caretakers or family members. And, the elder population continues to grow – in 2000 there were an estimated 35 million people age 65 or older in America – or about 13% of the total population. The projected growth of persons 65 years and over, under the Census Bureau’s middle series, will more than double by the middle of this century.
While there are countless types of abuse that elders may endure, there are essentially three categories of abuse designated by the National Center on Elder abuse: (1) domestic abuse; (2) institutional abuse and (3) self-neglect or self-abuse.
Due to the difficult issues that arise in elder abuse cases, the NDAA endorses the creation of special elder abuse units within prosecutor’s offices or the designation of a specially trained prosecutor to handle elder abuse cases. The NDAA also recognizes that there must be specialized training for prosecutors who work with victims of elder abuse, and supports the formation of a National Center for the Prosecution of Elder Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation within the American Prosecutors Research Institute.
The NDAA recognizes the need for mandatory reporting of elder abuse to adult protective services and law enforcement agencies nationwide. It also recognizes the need for special trial procedures and evidentiary rules in matters of elder abuse – based on the special needs of the victims.
Dan Alsobrooks, President of NDAA and District Attorney of the 23rd Judicial District in Charlotte, TN said, “Combating elder abuse is one of the highest priorities of prosecutors, nationally. At a time in their lives when our elders should receive respect, compassion and affection from their family and caretakers, sadly, far too many are victims of outrageous neglect and treatment. The NDAA is committed to protecting the elderly and vigorously prosecuting those who harm them.”
NDAA is the nation’s largest organization representing prosecutors. It has approximately 6,500 members who represent about 30,000 prosecutors. More than 95% of all criminal cases are tried by America’s state and local prosecutors.
Contact: Velva M. Walter, Director Media Relations
Phone: 703-519-1689 – E-Mail: velva.walter@ndaa-apri.org
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