
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 19, 1994                   TAG: 9405190122
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV_1   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: By ROBERT FREIS STAFF WRITER
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SOCIAL WORKERS SEE GROWING NUMBERS OF ABUSED ADULTS

Cases involving abuse of adults have increased sharply, a statistic social workers say represents an alarming trend.

In Montgomery County, adult abuse cases already are up about 37 percent over last fiscal year, said Linda Eaton, a social worker assigned to investigate complaints of physical and mental abuse, neglect and financial exploitation.

"Adult abuse has been around a long time. But a lot of people are just now learning about it," Eaton said. "We're getting the word out."

Education and prevention of adult abuse is being emphasized during May, which has been designated Adult Abuse Prevention Month in Virginia.

The state, through local social service departments, can intervene in cases of adult abuse involving two major groups: people aged 60 or older, or anyone 18 or up who is physically or mentally impaired.

Locally, the number of elderly people who are being abused has shown the most startling increase, Eaton said.

That figure can be tied to the increasing numbers of elderly citizens who retire to the area, she said.

Adult abuse cuts across economic status and lifestyle. People living away from their families are ready prey to abusers, as are elderly people who depend on family for basic needs or financial oversight.

Handicapped people of all ages who depend on others to provide basic care also are at risk.

Tough economic times also seem to boost the number of reported abuse cases involving theft or embezzlement.

A stronger law passed last year by the General Assembly gives social workers more power to intervene in abuse cases. Repeat offenders can face criminal charges.

Eaton has investigated complaints against individuals and institutions. It's difficult to build a case, she said, because witnesses can be hard to produce.

It's also taking time for professionals - health providers, police and social workers who are required by law to report suspected cases of adult abuse - to learn the warning signs.

Anyone who knows of an abused adult or is being abused themselves should call their local social services department, Eaton said. "We want to know about it if its happened."

by CNB