🛑 Elder Abuse on Long Island: A Hidden Crisis Demands Action

🛑 Elder Abuse on Long Island: A Hidden Crisis Demands Action

By Samantha Vogel, Editor, Long Island Daily News

As Long Island’s population ages, a troubling reality is coming into sharper focus: elder abuse is rising, and much of it remains hidden. From financial exploitation to emotional neglect, seniors across Nassau and Suffolk counties are facing mistreatment—often at the hands of those they trust most.

📊 The Scope of the Problem

According to the New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study, for every one reported case of elder abuse, 23 go unreported. Experts say this ratio holds true on Long Island, where shame, fear, and dependency often prevent victims from speaking out.

The abuse can take many forms:

• Physical abuse: hitting, pushing, or restraining
• Emotional abuse: threats, humiliation, isolation
• Financial exploitation: theft, coercion, misuse of funds
• Neglect: failure to provide basic needs, including medical care
• Sexual abuse: unwanted contact or harassment

🧓 Who’s at Risk?

Elder abuse affects adults aged 60 and older, especially those who are isolated, cognitively impaired, or dependent on caregivers. Victims may live in private homes, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes. Abuse often comes from family members, caregivers, or trusted acquaintances.

On Long Island, advocates say they’re seeing more cases involving financial exploitation, particularly through scams, misuse of power of attorney, and coerced property transfers.

🛠️ Resources and Support

Several organizations are working to combat elder abuse locally:

• Family & Children’s Association (FCA) offers the Safe Observant Seniors (SOS) program, with crisis counseling, legal support, and help navigating protective orders
• Suffolk County Task Force to Prevent Family Violence provides 24/7 hotlines and links to Adult Protective Services (APS)
• The Retreat and Long Island Against Domestic Violence offer confidential support and emergency housing for seniors facing abuse

If you suspect abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 631-854-3232 or the NYS Helpline at 1-844-697-3505.

📣 What Advocates Are Calling For

• Mandatory training for healthcare workers and caregivers
• Stronger legal protections for seniors, including financial oversight
• Community education to help neighbors recognize signs of abuse
• Expanded funding for elder abuse prevention programs

🕯️ A Call to Action

Elder abuse is not just a private tragedy—it’s a public health issue. As Long Island continues to age, protecting seniors must become a community priority. Whether through policy, outreach, or compassion, we all have a role to play in ensuring our elders live with dignity, safety, and respect.

Sources:
All Against Abuse – Elder Abuse on Long Island
FCA – Elder Abuse Prevention
Suffolk County Task Force – Elder Abuse

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