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On the mid-Michigan home front, an East Lansing Democrat is the lead sponsor of a bill before the state House of Representativess that would increase the penalties of those who are convicted of abusing elderly family members.
Due to the increased abuse of senior citizens, state representative Mark Meadows is seeking to increase the penalties for financially exploiting seniors, making it punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $15,000 fine, or three times the value of stolen property, whichever is greater, according to a Lansing State Journal article.
The bill would also prohibit abusers from inheriting from the victim’s estate.
Authorities say there is a rise in those who exploit or steal from elderly family members. Because of the failing state economy, the crime has increased.
Michigan’s Department of Human Services substantiated 492 cases in 2008 where the elderly were financially exploited by family members. The majority of the victims were women.
It is believed that the number of cases reported is low because many people are reluctant to report abuse. It can be difficult and embarrassing to report a family member, therefore many crimes remain hidden.
The legislature and others such as Elder Law of Michigan, and advocacy group for seniors, are standing strong in their fight again elder abuse. Hopefully, this bill will quickly pass both the house and the senate.
Does your state have laws regarding the abuse of our senior citizens? Do you think more laws are needed?
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1 response so far ↓
1 Kitty Middleton // Aug 29, 2009 at 6:12 pm
The county I live in has denied proceding with criminal charges against exploitation of a disabled adult. Can anyone give me some suggestions thank you