Protecting Vulnerable Adults in Cherokee

By District Attorney Shannon Wallace

As children, we are taught to honor and respect our elders. Unfortunately, some people fail to heed this advice and, instead, target senior citizens. In recent years, we have seen a rise in opportunists who abuse and exploit seniors as well as other vulnerable adults. Elder abuse is a crime in Georgia, and something we take very seriously in Cherokee County.

Elder abuse occurs when trusted family members, friends, or caregivers intentionally harm or fail to provide needed services to older adults in their care. It also occurs when criminals commit financial exploitation scams that target seniors.

Typically, elder abuse is one (or all) of the following:

• Physical, which often includes sexual and emotional abuse as well.
• Neglect, or failure to provide essential medical care, a safe living environment, or adequate nutrition and hygiene.
• Financial exploitation, which prevents elders from accessing financial resources by using force, threats, or deception.

In response to this prevalent crime, in 2015, the District Attorneys Office designated a special prosecution team. The White Collar/Elder Abuse Unit includes a prosecutor, investigator, and victim advocates.

Two years later, the District Attorneys Office and community partners established the Cherokee County Adult Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation Multidisciplinary Team (MDT). This MDT brings together organizations committed to protecting vulnerable adults from situations of abuse or exploitation. During monthly meetings, MDT members discuss reports of abuse and collaborate to ensure seniors receive the services they need. In 2019, the team handled 275 cases of suspected abuse or neglect of elders or vulnerable adults in Cherokee.

In addition to the District Attorneys Office, MDT members include the Cherokee Coroners Office, Senior Services, and Solicitor-Generals Office; the Georgia Division of Aging - Adult Protective Services; and all Cherokee law enforcement agencies.

We also partner with Cherokee Triad S.A.L.T., an organization that works to reduce victimization of senior citizens by offering programs for them and their caregivers. More information on these programs can be found at SALTCherokee.com.

World Elder Abuse Day

Each year on June 15, communities worldwide draw attention to the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of our elders. The day provides the opportunity to educate people about the unique challenges of our aging population, reach out to elders to help them not become crime victims, and exchange ideas on how to reduce crimes against elders.

You can help, too. Talk to elderly and vulnerable adults in your life and make sure they are safe and making sound decisions.

Common Scams

• Your grandchild needs money
  Caller poses as a grandchild and preys on the elders emotions. Be suspicious. Verify with family members before sending money.
• IRS demands money by phone
  Caller says, If you dont send payment now, youll be arrested. Perpetrator preys on fear. The IRS never calls to demand money.
• Email scams
  Recently, church members have received emails from a person claiming to be their pastor, asking them to send gift cards to help people affected by the pandemic. Verify the facts before buying or sending gift cards.

Georgia laws related to elder abuse: O.C.G.A. 16-5-101, 16-5-102, 16-5-23.1