District Attorney Quinn has made elder abuse a priority of his administration. He is committed to aggressively investigating and prosecuting allegations of elder abuse, as well as participating in efforts to help prevent or recognize potential harm before it happens.
Many forms of elder abuse happen right here in Bristol County, however elder financial abuse has become a rapidly growing and disturbing issue. This includes financial exploitation by a caretaker or loved one, identity fraud, medicare fraud, phone and prize scams, and many others to name a few.
In response to this issue, District Attorney Quinn created a specialized Elder Financial Abuse Unit specifically committed to investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
Investigation and Prosecution:
The Bristol County District Attorney’s office investigates and prosecutes all crimes of elder abuse as defined by MGL c. 19A Sec. 15. Elder abuse takes many forms to include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as fraud, neglect and/or self-neglect. Elder abuse also includes a failure to provide care or omissions to act that result in harm or puts an elderly person at risk of harm.
The office works closely with the state Department of Elder Affairs, as well as Bristol Elder Services, Inc., a state-designated agency responsible for investigating and providing protective and crisis services in communities across Bristol County.
Prevention:
District Attorney Quinn is active and visible throughout the community to address this issue. He and members of his staff provide free presentations and literature at senior centers, councils on aging, and for community groups and events. In addition, community partnerships further allow the office to educate the public and encourage the reporting of elder abuse and neglect. This includes partnering with the above-mentioned agencies, along with Coastline Elder Services, the Southeastern Alliance for Elders (SAFE), all Council on Aging Directors, and serving on all seven TRIADS in the county – Attleboro, Easton, Mansfield, Rehoboth, Seekonk, Somerset and Taunton. The office thus works collectively with key persons and agencies in the field to prevent and eliminate elder abuse through education, awareness, advocacy, intervention, and resource development.
Learn more about our community-based elder abuse prevention efforts here.
Reporting abuse:
A report should be made whenever a person has cause to believe that abuse is occurring or has occurred. First, contact Bristol Elder Services, Inc. at (508) 675-2101, however in the case of an emergency, dial 911. You may also reach out to your local Council on Aging or your local police department. You may also call the Massachusetts Statewide Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-922-2275.
Find extensive resources for victims of these crimes on our RESOURCES page.
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