Elder Abuse A priority of the Special Victims Unit is elder abuse and exploitation, as this age group is Rhode Island’s fastest growing demographic. These crimes are drastically under-reported, since victims are often afraid and reluctant to come forward. Raising awareness is critically important to create a community where victims feel safe coming forward, which helps lead to successful prosecutions of these crimes. Attorneys and investigators from our Elder Abuse Unit offer preventative education to older adults through community outreach at locations throughout the state. We are happy to host presentations in your community, either in person or virtually. Contact us to schedule an educational session or training at 401-274-4400, prompt 6. Reporting elder abuse In Rhode Island, there is a mandatory duty of all citizens to report a suspicion of elder abuse and/or elder financial exploitation. To report elder physical abuse and/or elder financial abuse, contact your local police, Rhode Island State Police or the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging at (401) 462-0555 or oha.ri.gov. Report misconduct in Rhode Island nursing homes Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) In 2022, Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging initiated 1,557 investigations of elder abuse. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), only about one in 10 instances of elder abuse is ever reported. That means it is likely the number of elder abuse investigations in R.I. could have been much, much higher. Elder abuse cases are often complex and require the collaboration of multiple agencies. In response, the Office of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Unit formed the Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT brings together professionals from a variety of disciplines and systems whose mission is to restore the safety and security of older adults, protect assets, intervene in systemic and resource issues, and serve as an informational resource for professionals. Professionals working with older adults who are unsure of how to proceed in assessing or assisting elder abuse victims and their families can request a case consultation on a range of elder abuse-related matters. For complex elder abuse cases, professionals can refer cases to be presented to the MDT for coordinated, victim-centered solutions. Learn more about MDT Make a referral (form)* *To make a case referral, please complete the above referral form and email to lchavez@riag.ri.gov.
Reporting elder abuse In Rhode Island, there is a mandatory duty of all citizens to report a suspicion of elder abuse and/or elder financial exploitation. To report elder physical abuse and/or elder financial abuse, contact your local police, Rhode Island State Police or the Rhode Island Office of Healthy Aging at (401) 462-0555 or oha.ri.gov. Report misconduct in Rhode Island nursing homes
Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) In 2022, Rhode Island’s Office of Healthy Aging initiated 1,557 investigations of elder abuse. According to the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), only about one in 10 instances of elder abuse is ever reported. That means it is likely the number of elder abuse investigations in R.I. could have been much, much higher. Elder abuse cases are often complex and require the collaboration of multiple agencies. In response, the Office of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Unit formed the Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). The MDT brings together professionals from a variety of disciplines and systems whose mission is to restore the safety and security of older adults, protect assets, intervene in systemic and resource issues, and serve as an informational resource for professionals. Professionals working with older adults who are unsure of how to proceed in assessing or assisting elder abuse victims and their families can request a case consultation on a range of elder abuse-related matters. For complex elder abuse cases, professionals can refer cases to be presented to the MDT for coordinated, victim-centered solutions. Learn more about MDT Make a referral (form)* *To make a case referral, please complete the above referral form and email to lchavez@riag.ri.gov.