NCJ Number
88396
Date Published
1982
Length
66 pages
Annotation
This field hearing provided testimony on the vulnerabilities of the elderly to particular crimes and means for countering such crimes and relieving their consequences for the elderly.
Abstract
Testimony indicates that although statistics show that persons aged 65 or older are less likely to be victims of every category of crime except purse snatching and pickpocketing, the consequences of victimization are greater for the elderly, since physical injuries are slower to heal; the psychological stresses are much greater; and economic losses are more difficult to recoup. Testimony suggested that the elderly may be less often victimized because they restrict their movements because of their fear of crime, thus creating a problem that can only be relieved by making public areas safer for citizens. Suggestions for relieving the consequences of victimization for the elderly include victim compensation that gives the elderly priority for speed of processing, victim restitution, and other victim services such as counseling and medical assistance. Testimony also noted that the elderly suffer significant physical and psychological abuse as well as other crimes in homes for the elderly. Greater attention to the licensing and monitoring of such homes was suggested, along with the use of abuse reporting statutes similar to those established for child abuse. Attention was also given to mail fraud and con games perpetrated on the elderly. Various measures for countering these crimes are suggested. Testimony was heard from various New Jersey public officials and private citizens knowledgeable about the victimization problems of the elderly.