NCJ Number
128000
Date Published
1990
Length
109 pages
Annotation
The New York State sample of the National Crime Survey (NCS) shows that the elderly are generally less victimized by crime than are other populations, although the elderly proportion of personal crimes rose in the last three years.
Abstract
The isolation of many elderly persons can contribute to their victimization, and it can prevent their reporting these crimes to the authorities. Fear of crime among the elderly is generally a realistic fear of personal confrontation and attack bolstered by the diminished personal strength of the elderly and the fact that most are women. Social integration in neighborhoods greatly reduces this fear. In terms of elder abuse, while physical abuse does occur, emotional and psychological abuse is far more prevalent. The report states that responses to elder abuse problems should be formulated on a case-by-case basis. The elderly are also frequently the victims of fraud. State efforts to reduce crime against the elderly include crime enforcement measures, victim assistance programs, and prevention programs. The report concludes with several specific recommendations. 4 tables, 2 endnotes, and 52 references