Napa Community Dedicated to Eliminating Elder Abuse Crimes
(PRWEB) May 28, 2005 -- As Napa County’s population grows so does the number
of frail, elderly residents who are fortunate to enjoy this beautiful valley in
their “Golden Years”. Some of these elders will become victims of Elder Abuse.
Strangers, acquaintances and family members will victimize them. This abuse
covers many different areas of daily life, from physical abuse to neglect or
financial ruin. Elder Abuse is a hidden crime that is under-reported.
The
recent shocking front-page story regarding the abuse of an 84-year-old San
Francisco woman brings public awareness to the vulnerability of our older
citizens.
Residents of Napa are seeing more public response and more
cases prosecuted due to the commitment of agencies including Napa Elder Abuse
Project/Victim Witness Services, Law Enforcement, Adult Protective Services,
Ombudsman and the Specialized Elder Abuse Unit of the District Attorney’s
Office. These programs and agencies along with others make up the Napa County
Elder Abuse Prevention Planning Council, which enacted the countywide protocol
for reporting and responding to suspected Elder Abuse.
The Coordinator
of the Volunteer Center of Napa Valley’s Elder Abuse Project, Kathy Lenning,
reminds all residents of Napa “Whatever your involvement might be, provider of a
service or a family member or a neighbor to an elder or dependent adult if you
suspect abuse has occurred it’s important you pick up a phone and report your
concerns.”
The Volunteer Center of Napa Valley is dedicated to
increasing the quantity and quality of volunteerism in Napa County by acting as
a catalyst to help people help themselves and others. Its Napa Elder Abuse
Project has trained employees and volunteers to recognize and refer cases of
Elder Abuse to the appropriate agency.
You can reach the program 24 hours
a day through the Volunteer Center of Napa Valley at 707-252-6222 or by calling
the 24-hour Hotline at 707-258-8000. Only by reporting, will our elders get the
assistance needed to stop the abuse.
# # #
Source : http://www.prweb.com/releases/2005/5/prweb245218.htm