The worrying trend of physical abuse to the elderly in California
I am writing to update you on the worrying trend of physical abuse to the elderly in California, requesting that you put measures to stop this phenomenon. Over the years, the seniors in California have been subjected to sexual assault, physical assault, prolonged deprivation of water and food, unreasonable physical constraint, chemical constraint, and inappropriate use of psychotropic medication.
This crime is indiscriminate in choosing who it strikes. It has risen to the extent that factors such as gender, socio-economic status, ethnicity, educational background, race, and geographic location of the elderly are no longer providing an impregnable barrier against the crime’s broad and horrible reach.
According to the US Census Bureau, California’s elderly population is projected to almost double to 6.4 million by 2025. Furthermore, a report released by the state showed that 13% of complaints to the State’s Office of Oversight and Outcomes were related to gross neglect, exploitation, and abuse. This is more than twice the national rate of 5%. These scary statistics point to the need for urgent action because if the problem is not addressed urgently, we will have a large part of the population in California being subjected to untold suffering and misery in the near future.
Urgent action is needed since victims of elderly abuse are living in silent desperation. Also, there is sufficient evidence that most of them are unwilling to seek assistance because cries of help for people who experienced the same before went unanswered. Sufficient evidence has also shown that most fear reporting the same because of fear of retaliation from the perpetrators. At the same time, others fear reporting such incidences because they know no one will believe them because of their old age.
I believe that your beliefs, as well as the power bestowed on your office, can help end this phenomenon. You can use your cooperation and vigilance to stop elderly abuse by ensuring perpetrators are arrested and prosecuted. You can use the available law enforcement and social service resources that have currently expanded to address this menace. I believe that with you, help is available.