Inside Mesa

June 15 was National Elder Abuse Awareness Day - someone in Mesa was on the job, has been working since 1999 on this problem, and continues to work toward bringing awareness to elder mistreatment.Karen Stegenga, Mesa Police Department Crime Prevention Unit Officer - is interested in educating people on how to recognize elder abuse and how to report it. One effective way she uses to tackle the problem is informing businesses in the health care and beauty industries because of their interaction with the elderly on a first-hand basis.When one realizes the startling statistics she gives you will want to learn more. If you’re in one of the businesses mentioned invite her out to talk about it with your staff; help stop a vulnerable population from being victims. No one seems willing to talk about it, her findings are 1 in 10 elder abuse cases are ever reported out of the 500,000 to one million reported a year! Unfortunately, the number one abusers are adult children, putting the abused elderly parent in a situation that is difficult - turning in their own children. Officer Stengenga explains that a big fear is what will happen to them if the son or daughter as caregiver is taken away.Average age of victim is 76, 2/3 female, have physical or mental impairment, widowed/divorced, socially isolated, live with abuser, inexperienced in financial matters, fear being institutionalized. Abuser usually victim’s sole or primary care provider, 90% known to the victim, 2/3 are relatives in a position of trust. Abusers 48% male, 52% female.The Mesa Police Department partnered with the Office of the AZ Attorney General, Area Agency on Aging, Region One, and Adult Protective Services by which Officer Stegenga joined efforts to write the brochures she has to pass out. What you may not know is that AZ statute 46-454 mandates certain professionals report abuse, neglect, or exploitation if one has a basis to believe it’s occurred.She stresses that everyone should report elder abuse or neglect because it is a crime. Professionals that are required to be educated about elder abuse:- physicians- hospital interns or residents- surgeons- dentists- psychologists- social workers- peace officers- guardians- conservators- individuals who have responsibility for the care of an incapacitated or vulnerable adult- potential reporters can be those that see elders on a daily basis such as beauty professionals, hair stylists, nail techs, bankers, grocery clerks - the faith community a good resource "They are the ones who are going to help us find victims".Want more information? 1. Officer Stegenga 480-644-50142. Department of Economic Security Adult Protective Services, Adult Abuse 24 hour reporting Hotline 1-877-767-23853. Office of the Attorney General Consumer Information & Complaints 602-542-49114. Office of Victim Services 602-542-49115. Area Agency on Aging 24 hour Senior Help Line 602-264-43576. AZ Senior Citizens Law Project 602-252-67107. Elder Law Hotline 1-800-231-5441Don’t be the senior community that avoids the education and awareness that Officer Stegenga can provide you or the profession that needs the training. Invite her out, she is willing to travel to your group and speak on this very important topic - one that many avoid, and it’s hurting 10 times the amount of those elder abuse cases reported - it’s out of control because society ignores it; falling far behind child abuse and domestic violence. It is a crime, do something today!