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Elder/Dependent
Adult Abuse Unit
As our population ages, elder abuse is becoming one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. More than two million elderly Americans are victims of neglect or mistreatment every year. Those are the cases we know about. Experts estimate that for every case of elder abuse that comes to the attention of law enforcement, many others go unreported.
Out of concern and realizing the unique vulnerability of seniors,
the District Attorney created Santa Barbara County's Elder/Dependent
Adult Abuse Unit consisting of an attorney, investigator and advocate;
operational in both North and South Counties. The Advocate
coordinates with Adult Protective Services, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Office and local law enforcement agencies and resources to help victims
and families cope with the effects of abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The attorney and investigator identify, review, investigate and prosecute
the cases. All provide services to elder and dependent adults as
well as ongoing training programs for local law enforcement and gatekeepers.
The purpose of the project is to ensure the safety of our community's
elders and dependent adults and to heighten the community's awareness
of this form of crime.
The Deputy District Attorneys in our Elder/Dependent
Adult Abuse Unit receive special training in the laws specific to
these crimes. These experienced lawyers are available to speak to
your group or organization providing training in recognizing the
signs of physical abuse, protecting the financial assets of clients,
where to report suspected abuse, and how to gather the information
necessary to help law enforcement successfully prosecute and offender.
Elder/Dependent
Adult Financial Abuse
Annuities
Power Against Fraud: A Program designed for the detection and prevention of fraud targeting seniors.
Please download:
Informative pamphlet
or
Click on this link to view online
Stand up Against Elder Abuse Pledge Form
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Contact Information
Santa Barbara
Vicki Johnson
1112 Santa Barbara Street
Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Telephone: 805.568.2300
Santa Maria
Anne Nudson
Chris Clement
312-D East Cook Street
Santa Maria, CA 93454
Telephone: 805.346.7540
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