Senior citizens specifically are targeted by criminals due to age-related issues. This session will focus on an investigative approach to elder abuse, including cases of neglect, physical abuse, financial exploitation, emotion abuse, and others.
According to research, millions of Americans age 65 and older have been injured, exploited or otherwise mistreated by a caregiver or someone they trust. Estimates of elder abuse range from 2 to 5 percent of the population over age 65, but only 1 in 14 incidents are brought to the attention of authorities.
Elder Crimes Specialist Ian S. “Buddy” Lovestock delivers a comprehensive investigative approach for first responders and law enforcement through case studies and examples of neglect. He will cover what officers should know; what first responders should do when encountering elder abuse, neglect or financial exploitation in residences or nursing homes; and how to identify warning signs.
Lovestock has 40 years’ experience in law enforcement and is certified by the Florida Attorney General’s Office as an Elder Crimes Specialist. He said elder abuse issues continue to grow because people are living longer and senior citizens represents a larger percentage of the population.
The cost for the program is $75. To register, visit http://www.lemitonline.org/programs/special/ElderAbuseApril2016.pdf For more information, contact Yvette Shorten, Program Assistant, at (936) 294-3851.
