Senator Brooks Calls to Restore State Funding for Victims of Elder Abuse

(Long Island, NY) New York State Senator John E. Brooks (SD-8) has called for the restoration of $700,000 in funding for Elder Abuse Victims Services in the 2017-2018 New York State Budget.

“Many people do not realize how common elder abuse is. It is not as straightforward as causing physical harm to an elderly person. Elder abuse can also include psychological abuse, financial exploitation and neglect.” said Senator Brooks.  “It is critical that we provide our seniors with resources and services to reduce instances of elder abuse and mitigate its damage.”

A recent study of Elder Abuse Prevalence in New York State found that 76 out of every 1,000 older residents were victims of elder abuse in a one-year period. The study also found a dramatic gap between the rate of elder abuse events reported by older New Yorkers and the number of cases referred to and served in the formal elder abuse service system. The reported incidence rate is nearly 24 times greater than the number of referred cases.  

“Elder abuse victims are underreported and underserved in New York,” said Senator Brooks. Elder Abuse Victims Services are critical to the health and safety of the elderly population, and any further reduction to these services will greatly jeopardize their security and well-being,” continued Senator Brooks.