Ohio Billboard Campaign Will Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse

Ohio Attorney General Mike DeWine joined Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio President Nick Keyes Jr. to announce a new billboard campaign aimed at raising awareness about elder abuse in Ohio. Members of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Ohio have donated space on more than 200 traditional and digital billboards across Ohio to urge those who suspect a friend or loved one is being abused to report their suspicions to local authorities or to the Attorney General’s Office, whose Elder Justice Initiative works to assist in investigating incidents of elder abuse. The message will be displayed on billboards throughout the month of May, which is Older Americans Month. “Elder abuse is a very serious, and often unreported issue, and we all must work together to protect Ohio’s older adults, who are among the most vulnerable citizens in our communities,” DeWine said. “I am hopeful that this billboard campaign will encourage residents to look for signs of elder abuse and report them to authorities so that those who take advantage of the elderly in Ohio can be held accountable. In May 2014, DeWine unveiled the Elder Justice Initiative within the Attorney General’s Office to increase the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse cases and improve victims’ access to services in Ohio. Since the launch of the initiative, the Attorney General’s Office has received more than 230 requests for assistance and has opened multiple criminal investigations. The majority of complaints received are in regards to financial exploitation of older adults ranging between $200 and $1 million.

Source/more: Record-Courier

David Wingate is an elder law attorney practicing in Frederick and Montgomery Counties, Maryland. The elder law practice concentrates on wills, powers of attorney, trusts, asset protection and Medicaid.