As a retiree of an agency that investigated abuse and neglect of person's with disabilities, the multitude of stories regarding elders and the disabled populations are endless. It is amazing how many people know about abuses, but not how to report or proceed with assisting. Since retiring a year ago and returning part-time to the agency, I work in a role that involves program monitoring. Doing listening sessions throughout the state revealed that an unusually high number of people don't know that an agency exist to help elders and disabled going through such situations. Allegations consist of physical abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, extortion, and neglect.

Although people like to be shielded from hearing the reality of the hurt and pain that our revered, who deserves our deepest respect, are enduring - it might benefit society to be more open in that there might be more assistance provided to protect, prevent, and help in the recovery of abuses. So many victims suffer in silence as the heartbreaking fact of the matter is that the abuses are, many times, committed by close family members. Societal and cultural beliefs can often determine a person's position on letting another family member - let alone law enforcement and the like - know about what is occurring. As in the issue of Child Protective Services programs, the victim may be further abuse by threats from the perpetrator should the victim report. Children feel further abused by being removed from their home; leaving their school; leaving the family pet(s); being ostracized by family; feeling sneered at by others who might know the situation; etc. The same applies to the adult population. Also, sad as it might be, it is not guaranteed that those who receive certain reports will handle the matter correctly and not make the situation worse. The hard truth of the matter is that there needs to be an offer of resources to the victim that will create positive permanency that just might not exist. Whereas, the victim may be left in the physical care of the accused. Advocacy of the highest level is a must.

I wish that people understood that it does not take a scholar to determine that someone's needs are not being met and that this include medical, nutrition, shelter, emotional, financial, etc. Knowing when and whom to report is key. Turning a blind eye does not make the situation better. Some - including me - may find empathizing and placing themselves in the same situation. To effectuate a change can often be as simple as determining how would you want yourself or a loved-one to be treated? Would you appreciate someone walking away if it was your mother? Would you be happy to hear that the alleged victim died due to something that you could have reported? You do not have to have a "Holier than though" attitude to submit to decency and love for your fellow brethren.

Ultimately, it is not being realistic that we will live in a utopia of euphoria. However, I'm hopeful that we will put more effort into taking care of our less fortunate devoid race, religion, aesthetics, financial status, etc. This would involved city, county, state, federal participation. If we could revisit yesteryear when it took a village to make this thing called life work, I believe that it would make our existence so much better.

As I work in an agency whose policies involve designated employees to speak to media, I cannot talk to such groups. With agency permission, I can advocate for the agency by being a part of a panel, presentation, and the like.