2010 Elder Abuse Statistics For Southeast Texas

The Department of Family Protective Services has released their elder abuse statistics for Southeast Texas in their 2010 Annual Report and Data Book, and the numbers may be shocking. In Jefferson County, there were 1,430 elder abuse investigations last years and 967 validated investigations. In Hardin County, there were 211 elder abuse investigations and 142 validated investigations. In Orange County, there were 437 elder abuse investigations and 267 validated investigations.

Unfortunately, according to the Beaumont Enterprise, the most upsetting part about the above elder abuse statistics is that many believe that elder abuse is very underreported – and that the actual number of elder abuse and elder neglect cases is actually significantly higher. Many seniors are too embarrassed or ashamed to report their abuse, while others suffer from dementia or other health problems that make it impossible for them to reach out.

It is the law in Texas to report abuse or suspected abuse. If you know a senior who may be abused or neglected, report what you know by calling the Texas Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. If a senior that you love has been abused or neglected by a nursing home, adult care facility, or caregiver, you may wish to seek the help of a Texas nursing home abuse attorney at 877-405-4313.