Abuse is a painful reality for thousands of Alabama’s elderly and
disabled adults.
The elderly population is the fastest growing segment
of our society.
The hidden problem of adult abuse is on the rise as elders are living
longer and requiring more care from others.
A total of 5,125
investigations were completed for FY ’08. This represents a slight
increase of reports from FY ’07.
Adult abuse often occurs among families experiencing stress.
Most adults
desire to continue living independently.
The number of reports received by month ranged from a low of 354 in
November and December to a high of 521 in October, with the average
number of reports received per month being 409.
Over 75% of all APS
investigations received included allegations of suspected neglect. 13%
of the reports received contained allegations of abuse, while 12% of the
reports received included allegations of financial exploitation.
Sexual abuse was the least frequently reported type of suspected
maltreatment.
Women were the alleged victims in more than 63% of the
reports received.
Approximately 40% of the alleged victims were reported to be white and
approximately 22% were reported to be black. The victim’s race was not
reported in 2104 investigations.
Over 90% of the incidents reported to
DHR occurred in the home of the victim. Slightly less than 10% of the
reported incidents occurred in an out-of-home setting.
Adult abuse can occur in all racial and ethnic groups, and among
families in all income levels.
Although adult abuse usually occurs in a
family setting, health care or social service providers may abuse those
in their care.
Adults often suffer humiliation and embarrassment whenever they are
abused, neglected or exploited.
50% of the investigations were
indicated, 44% were not indicated and 6% were undetermined.
Of the investigations that included an approximate age for the victim,
24% of the total was between the ages of 18 and 59. Approximately 7%
were aged 60-64, 19% were aged 65-74, and 40% were 75 or older.
Regardless of age or ability, each individual deserves to be safe from
harm by those who come in contact with them on a regular basis.
To report Adult Abuse call your local
county DHR office