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Criminalizing Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults

Author

Listed:
  • Julie N. Brancale

    (College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA)

  • Thomas G. Blomberg

    (College of Criminology and Criminal Justice, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306, USA)

Abstract

The criminalization of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults did not begin until the late 1990s in the United States. During this time, a number of states enacted laws criminalizing certain abusive and exploitive behaviors committed against older adults and added punishment enhancements to existing laws if victims were over a certain age. These laws and policies, and the impetus for them, mirrored those enacted decades prior as part of the child welfare movement, with connections drawn between the vulnerability of younger and older victims. Despite passage of these various abuse and exploitation laws for older adults, significant challenges remain in the identification, investigation, and prosecution of crimes committed against this population. Further, the population of older adults has been rapidly expanding along with rates of victimization, elevating the importance of this escalating social problem. This paper identifies limitations in the prior research by describing the past, present, and likely future of U.S. law and policy intended to effectively respond to crimes against older adults and concludes with a research and policy agenda.

Suggested Citation

  • Julie N. Brancale & Thomas G. Blomberg, 2024. "Criminalizing Abuse, Neglect, and Financial Exploitation of Older Adults," Laws, MDPI, vol. 13(4), pages 1-14, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jlawss:v:13:y:2024:i:4:p:49-:d:1445917
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303821_6 is not listed on IDEAS
    2. Burnes, D. & Henderson, C.R., Jr. & Sheppard, C. & Zhao, R. & Pillemer, K. & Lachs, M.S., 2017. "Prevalence of financial fraud and scams among older adults in the United States: A systematic review and meta-analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(8), pages 13-21.
    3. repec:aph:ajpbhl:10.2105/ajph.2017.303821a_2 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Burnes, D. & Henderson, C.R. & Sheppard, C. & Zhao, R. & Pillemer, K. & Lachs, M.S., 2017. "Prevalence of Financial Fraud and Scams Among Older Adults in the United States: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 107(8), pages 1295-1295.
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