Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has launched a statewide campaign to address the increasing problem of elder abuse and exploitation in Ohio. The initiative encourages residents to learn about the types and signs of elder abuse and to report suspected cases.
Estimates indicate that one in ten Ohioans aged 60 or older experience some form of abuse, but only one in five cases are reported. According to state data, there has been a 400% rise in elder abuse cases over the past seven years, including neglect as well as physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.
“There is an epidemic of underreporting,” Yost said. “Our elders need to know that there is no shame in being victimized. The shame belongs only to those who harm and take advantage of vulnerable residents.”
Yost introduced a new video titled “What’s Done in the Dark” at the October meeting of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission. The video aims to educate Ohioans about elder abuse and reduce stigma for victims. It will be shared by the Elder Justice Unit at public events across Ohio and is featured on new Elder Abuse Resources webpages on the Attorney General’s website.
Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel appears in the video, noting that most abusers are people known to their victims. “It’s hard to wrap your head around, but the main perpetrator in about 90% of cases is a family member or another trusted individual,” Schiffel explains in the video. “They have access and knowledge of the victim — it’s a tragedy every time.”
Schiffel urges people not to hesitate when reporting suspected abuse: “Many times, seniors are reluctant to report abuse because of embarrassment, and it’s really up to us to protect them,” she says. “And that means being vigilant.”
Victims may also fear retaliation or have physical or mental limitations that make reporting difficult.
Yost emphasized support for older adults: “I cannot stress this enough: You are not alone. You are the victim, and we are here to help.”
The campaign includes collaboration with organizations such as the Ohio Pharmacists Association. During the commission meeting, Yost announced this partnership would focus on educating pharmacists about recognizing signs of elder abuse.
David E. Burke, executive director of the Pharmacists Association, commented on this effort: “Pharmacy plays a role in maintaining health and dignity,” Burke said. “With this effort, that assistance extends beyond the pharmacy counter.”
The Attorney General’s Office plans training for pharmacists on identifying potential victims and will distribute campaign materials through pharmacies.
Yost indicated his office seeks further partnerships with groups frequently interacting with older adults—including bankers, law enforcement officers, physicians, retirement communities—to address elder abuse more effectively.
“It’s going to take all of us – pharmacists, bankers, law enforcement, physicians, retirement communities, and you and me – to get at the root of this scourge,” Yost said. “Our senior citizens deserve dignity, protection and justice as much as anybody else.”
The awareness campaign features stories from several Ohio victims who share their experiences in hopes of encouraging others affected by elder abuse to come forward.
“Ohio owes a debt of gratitude to those who have helped to create this inspiring video,” Yost said. “We should all be proud of our fellow Ohioans who – for the greater good of our great state – stepped forward to share their painful stories so that others may have the strength and courage to do the same. God bless them.”
