Financial and physical abuse of people over the age of 65 is one of the fastest-growing crimes in America, until recently, one of the least talked about. Now, Oregonians are doing something about it.

Less than two years ago, the Governor's Commission on Senior Services created the "Everyday Heroes" campaign in an effort to raise awareness of elder abuse, increase reporting, reduce tolerance of elder abuse and find ways of connecting individuals and families with community resources. Simply put, the mission of the Everyday Heroes Campaign is to keep elders safe in our communities.

"It has been only in recent decades that abuse of elderly and disabled adults has been widely recognized," said Oregon Attorney General Hardy Myers. "Some studies say elder abuse may be as common as child abuse. And now enter the 'Baby Boomers,' a huge group of Americans just beginning to retire and who may be in need of additional assistance to remain safe." While some studies estimate that between 3 percent and 5 percent of the population age 65+ have been abused, the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging estimates that there may be as many as 5 million victims every year.

Myers said that less than one cent of every federal dollar spent on victim abuse goes to help the adults age 65+, even though older adults make up approximately 17 percent of the population in America.

Because awareness is crucial, some definitions are in order. Elder abuse refers to “any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a care giver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to a person over 65. The most common forms of abuse are:

* Financial – the illegal taking, misuse, or concealing of funds, property, or assets of a older adult.

* Physical – threatening or inflicting physical pain or injury on an older adult, or depriving them of a basic need.

* Emotional – the infliction of mental or emotional anguish or distress on an elder person through verbal or nonverbal acts.

* Sexual – the infliction of non-consensual sexual contact of any kind on an older adult. Abuse can also take passive forms, such as: neglect, self-neglect, and abandonment.

Anyone who strongly suspects or is aware of such treatment or behavior should call The State of Oregon’s Adult Protective Services (APS) toll free at 1-877-877-9392 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For obvious danger, call 911. APS screens calls for potential seriousness. The agency keeps the information it receives confidential.

If the agency decides the situation possibly violates state elder abuse laws, the agency assigns a caseworker to conduct an investigation (in cases of an emergency, usually within 24 hours). If the victim needs crisis intervention, services are available. I

f elder abuse is not substantiated, most APS agencies will work as necessary with other community agencies to obtain any social and health services that the older person needs.

The person has the right to refuse services offered by APS. The APS agency provides services only if the person agrees or has been declared incapacitated by the court and a guardian has been appointed. APS only takes such action as a last resort.

“Not wanting to get involved” is not an option.