Elder/Disabled Abuse
The Edgartown Police Department is committed to the prevention, investigation and prosecution of elders abuse and persons with disabilities abuse. Some of our Officers and Detectives have extensive training in this area.
Crimes Against Elders
As the elder population continues to grow, crimes against elders will continue to increase in numbers and complexity. The Edgartown Police is trained and prepared to respond to the special needs of the elder population and to ensure equal access to the criminal justice system, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against persons who are sixty years of age or older including, but not limited to:
- Financial Exploitation
- Sexual Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Caregiver Neglect
Crimes Against Persons with Disabilities
The Edgartown Police is dedicated to assisting victims of abuse who have disabilities. The Edgartown Police is trained and prepared to respond to the special needs of persons with disabilities to preserve the person’s dignity and trust, as well as to ensure equal access to the criminal justice system, focusing on the investigation and prosecution of crimes committed against persons with mental illness, mental retardation and physical disabilities, including, but not limited to:
- Sexual Abuse
- Physical Abuse
- Caregiver Neglect
- Financial Fraud
Behavioral Indicators of Abuse & Neglect of Elders & Persons with Disabilities
- Exhibit distrust of others
- Exhibit emotional outbursts
- Obsess, worry or appear anxious about her/his own performance
- Have low self-esteem or confidence
- Have a sudden loss of appetite
- Criticize caretaker constantly
- Curse, hit, scratch caregiver
- Request separation from caregiver
- Exhibit fear of the caregiver
- Exhibit fear of the dark, being alone, people, places or going home
- Cry easily, frequently
- Express feelings of hopelessness
- Want to die
- Exhibit stress-related illness
- Exhibit self-injurious behaviors
- Have difficulty sleeping
- Be isolated from others
- Be emotionally withdrawn, detached
- Have startled response to movement
- Be incontinent, malodorous, unpleasant
- Be resistant to taking medication, being bathed, eating or allowing caregiver to provide care
- Abuse alcohol or other substances
- Have rapid physical deterioration
- Refuse offers of assistance
- Be fearful of intimacy and touch
- Be sexually promiscuous
- Exhibit aggressive, disruptive or delinquent behavior
- Learn passive aggressive behavior
SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR ELDERS TO AVOID FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION
- Have Social Security or pension checks deposited automatically into bank accounts to prevent checks from being stolen from mailboxes.
- Store all valuables in a safe deposit box or a secured lock box in your home.
- Never withdraw money from a bank account for someone else, or allow someone to withdraw it for you unless it is a trusted member of your immediate family or friend.
- Beware of any get-rich-quick schemes, investment opportunities or anyone who comes to your door asking you to sign anything. Avoid registering for sweepstakes, free vacations.
- NEVER WIRE MONEY to individuals claiming to recover lost monies, for a lottery or for a loved one who is “in jail”.
- NEVER GIVE YOUR PERSONAL INFORMATION OUT OVER THE PHONE!
If you believe these things have happened to you or that you are a victim of theft, report the incident to the Edgartown Police Department at 508-627-4343.
The Edgartown Police Department works in conjunction with Edgartown Council On Aging to address these issues. The contact at the police department for Elder Affairs is:
Officer William Bishop volunteering for the Edgartown Council on Aging.
Officer William C. Bishop IV
Addition info may be found at the Town of Edgartown Police website at the link below: