Schumer Fights for Elder Abuse Law

Chrissie Cole

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Senator Charles Schumer recently visited Syracuse to discuss a congressional bill intended to fight financial and physical abuse of senior citizens.

In 2007, 8,693 cases of elder abuse were reported in New York, according to the State Office of Children and Family Services.

A study by the Department of Health and Human Services Administration on Aging shows that more than 80 percent of elder abuse goes unreported.

The Elder Justice Act, co-sponsored by Schumer, would create a federal Office of Elder Services in the Justice and Health and Human Services departments, Schumer said. The bill would call for training to provide better detection of problems, safe havens for abused seniors and tougher requirements that abuse be reported even if it reflects badly on a nursing home or other facility.