Napa Community Dedicated to Eliminating Elder Abuse Crimes

Residents of Napa are seeing more public response and more cases prosecuted due to the commitment of agencies including Napa Elder Abuse Project/Victim Witness Services, Law Enforcement, Adult Protective Services, Ombudsman and the Specialized Elder Abuse Unit of the District Attorneys Office.

(PRWEB) May 28, 2005 -- As Napa Countys population grows so does the number of frail, elderly residents who are fortunate to enjoy this beautiful valley in their Golden Years". Some of these elders will become victims of Elder Abuse. Strangers, acquaintances and family members will victimize them. This abuse covers many different areas of daily life, from physical abuse to neglect or financial ruin. Elder Abuse is a hidden crime that is under-reported.

The recent shocking front-page story regarding the abuse of an 84-year-old San Francisco woman brings public awareness to the vulnerability of our older citizens. Now this case goes to trial in San Francisco.

Residents of Napa are seeing more public response and more cases prosecuted due to the commitment of agencies including Napa Elder Abuse Project/Victim Witness Services, Law Enforcement, Adult Protective Services, Ombudsman and the Specialized Elder Abuse Unit of the District Attorneys Office. These programs and agencies along with others make up the Napa County Elder Abuse Prevention Planning Council, which enacted the countywide protocol for reporting and responding to suspected Elder Abuse.

The Coordinator of the Volunteer Center of Napa Valleys Elder Abuse Project, Kathy Lenning, reminds all residents of Napa Whatever your involvement might be, provider of a service or a family member or a neighbor to an elder or dependent adult if you suspect abuse has occurred its important you pick up a phone and report your concerns."

The Volunteer Center of Napa Valley is dedicated to increasing the quantity and quality of volunteerism in Napa County by acting as a catalyst to help people help themselves and others. Its Napa Elder Abuse Project has trained employees and volunteers to recognize and refer cases of Elder Abuse to the appropriate agency.

You can reach the program 24 hours a day through the Volunteer Center of Napa Valley at 707-252-6222 or by calling the 24-hour Hotline at 707-258-8000. Only by reporting, will our elders get the assistance needed to stop the abuse.

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