It’s often said that elder abuse is one of the most underreported crimes in America. This may be because many people don’t know what elder abuse is. Elder abuse is a serious issue, and it can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, or income level. In this blog post, we will discuss elder abuse and what you can do to help prevent it from happening to your loved ones.
What is Elder Abuse?
“Elder abuse is a single or repeated act or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person.” Elder abuse in California can take many different forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect.
Types of Elder Abuse
Physical abuse– This involves any type of physical force that may result in injury, pain, or impairment. This can include anything from slapping to shaking to forceful restraint.
Emotional abuse– This can involve verbal attacks, threats, intimidation, and manipulation. It can also include isolating a person from their friends and family or withholding love and affection.
Sexual abuse– This includes any non-consensual sexual contact. This can include anything from unwanted touching to rape.
Financial abuse– This involves the illegal or unauthorized use of a person’s money, property, or assets. This can include anything from stealing money to using a person’s credit card without permission.
Neglect– This occurs when a caretaker fails to provide the necessities of life, such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care. Negligence can also include failing to provide adequate supervision or leaving a person untreated with physical or mental health problems.
Elder abuse is a serious problem that often goes unreported. If you suspect someone you know is a victim of elder abuse, it’s important to speak up. Many resources are available to help victims of elder abuse, and by speaking out, you can help prevent this type of abuse from happening to others. Also, you can involve a criminal and civil lawyer.
How a Criminal and Civil Lawyer Can Help with Adult Abuse Cases
If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, you must seek legal help. The justice system is designed to protect victims’ rights but can also be difficult to navigate. You may feel embarrassed or ashamed about what happened to you. This can make it even harder for you to come forward and get help.
If you are ready to take action, then there are several things that a criminal lawyer can do for you:
File a police report– A criminal lawyer can help victims of elder abuse by filing a police report and working with law enforcement to investigate the case. A civil lawyer can help elder abuse victims by filing a lawsuit against the abuser.
Prepare evidence– The attorney will review the evidence in the case and prepare it for court.
Get a restraining order– A criminal lawyer can help elder abuse victims by filing for a restraining order against the abuser. A civil lawyer can help elder abuse victims by filing for a protective order.
Speak to witnesses– The attorney will speak to witnesses who may have information about the elder abuse.
File a civil lawsuit– A civil lawyer can help elder abuse victims by filing a civil lawsuit against the abuser. This type of lawsuit can result in damages being awarded to the victim.
Seek compensation, and justice-The victim of abuse may be able to recover compensatory damages for physical, emotional, or psychological injuries through a civil suit. Compensation may be awarded for:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium loss of the relationship between two people
- Emotional distress
- Property damage, including loss of personal belongings
Key Takeaway
If you are the victim of adult abuse, it is important to seek justice and compensation. The court can award you a monetary settlement in addition to other forms of damages. Additionally, legal proceedings can be taken against the abuser if they have harmed another person through their actions.
If you have been a victim of child abuse as an adult, you may also be eligible for compensation from the state. Many laws make it possible for victims of child abuse to receive financial compensation for their suffering.
The best way to get justice is by consulting with a criminal lawyer who understands what happened and how to handle your case. A criminal lawyer will help you find out what happened and whether or not there is any evidence that will support your case against whoever hurt you or your family members.
