Elder Abuse Prevention
Elders are vulnerable to a wide variety of crimes. The District Attorney’s Office is charged with the investigation and prosecution of all suspected or actual incidents of elder abuse, however most crimes against elders can be prevented. District Attorney Tom Quinn’s Office thus takes a proactive approach to protect elders.
The Community Affairs Unit engages in elder abuse prevention efforts year-round. This includes:
Conducting education and prevention campaigns throughout the year which provide elders with information that can help safeguard them against the potential for abuse and scams that specifically target the elderly.
Facilitating and conducting presentations at Councils on Aging throughout the county, as well as elder abuse prevention conferences, and regularly staffing information tables at numerous elder events throughout the year.
Partnering with various elder service organizations, and serving on boards and coalitions to produce literature, brochures, public service announcements and campaigns on issues impacting the elderly population. This includes Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elderly Services, SAFE (Southeastern Alliance For Elders), and the Councils on Aging that serve the 20 cities and towns throughout Bristol County. The office also sits on all seven TRIADS across the county – Attleboro, Easton, Mansfield, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset and Taunton.
Creating and distributing education and awareness materials throughout Bristol County. These materials are available to assist you via the links below.
Types of Abuse
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- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Neglect
- Financial abuse
Helpful Resources
View our Elder Abuse Brochure to learn the types of abuse, tips to prevent abuse, and who to contact in the event that a case of actual or suspected elder abuse occurs.
View this guide to understand Imposter Scams from the Federal Trade Commission
View the FTC’s Pass it On campaign which was embraced by DA Quinn. Folders were distributed to every Council on Aging throughout Bristol County. Follow-up presentations offered by the office cover the various topics in depth to educate elders on how to prevent financial abuse.
View the FTC’s Pass It On YouTube video
Where to Report Elder Abuse
Reporting concerns is critical to keeping elders safe. If you suspect that abuse/neglect has occurred or is occurring, contact one of the following:
Your local police department or dial 911 for an emergency.
Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline
1-800-922-2275
Bristol Elder Services, Inc.
1 Father DeValles Blvd.,Unit #8, Fall River, MA 02723
508-675-2101
Additional Online Resources:
Federal Department of Health & Human Services – National Center on Elder Abuse – Administration on Aging
http://www.ncea.aoa.gov/
National Do Not Call Registry
https://www.donotcall.gov/
Free Annual Credit Report
https://www.annualcreditreport.com/index.action
Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs
http://www.mass.gov/elders/
Bristol Elder Services
http://www.bristolelder.org/
Coastline Elderly Services
http://coastlineelderly.org/
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