Virginia Adult and Elder Abuse and Neglect Statistics

Virginia, like many states, is seeing the number of elderly citizens climb steadily as baby boomers age and live longer. Along with a growing population of older adults comes the challenge of caring for them, which is done primarily by family members or staff in nursing homes or assisted living facilities. An increase in the number of elders unfortunately translates to an increase in abuse and neglect cases, and in response Virginia has enacted laws in an attempt to protect these vulnerable citizens.

As in many states, there are “mandated reporters”, professionals who are required to contact their local department of social services or the APS hotline if they suspect that an adult is being or may be abused, neglected, or exploited. You can read more about mandated reporters in our law library article, “Suspect Elder Abuse? Learn About Mandated Reporting”.

2007 Adult and Elder Abuse Statistics

According to the Virginia Department of Social Services, in 2007:
• Local departments of social services received a total of 13,515 reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
• More reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation were received from relatives than any other type of reporter.
• 65% of investigated reports were substantiated.
• 68% of report subjects were adults age 60 years or older; 32% were incapacitated adults ages 18-59.
• 1,259 adults found to be in need of protective services exercised their statutory right to refuse services.
• Self-neglect was substantiated in 54% of the cases and neglect was substantiated in 21%.
• Over half (62%) of the APS reports received alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation in the adult’s own home or apartment.
• 10% of APS reports received alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation in nursing facilities.
• 6% of APS reports received alleged abuse, neglect or exploitation in assisted living facilities.
• Local departments of social services filed 302 petitions for guardianship, 24 emergency orders, 90 commitments to state or private hospitals, 30 protective orders, 7 orders for medical services, and 7 orders to enjoin interference.
• 3,369 annual reports by guardians were filed with local departments of social services.
• 24 adults were reported to need a guardian or conservator but these were not available.

Of the 13,515 reports submitted to the department of social services, 11,802 were investigated and 7,615 were substantiated. The cases break down as follows:
• Needs and Accepts Services (4,237 cases): These are cases where an adult is found to need protective services when a preponderance of evidence shows that adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred or is occurring, or there is reason to suspect that the adult is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation and needs protective services in order to reduce that risk.
• Needs and Refuses Services (1,259 cases): Same as above but the adult is capable of making a decision about needed services and his/her decision is to refuse services.
• Need No Longer Exists (2,081 cases): Cases where there is a preponderance of evidence that adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred but the adult is no longer at risk.
• Unfounded (4,187 cases): Cases where a review of the facts does not show a preponderance of evidence that abuse, neglect, or exploitation has occurred or that the adult is at risk of abuse, neglect, or exploitation.\
• Investigations Pending (829 cases): Investigations that are ongoing at the end of the reporting period are pending until the investigation is completed and a disposition assigned.
• Invalid (884 cases): This disposition is determined when after an investigation has been initiated, the report is found not to meet the criteria of a valid report.

If you are looking for an experienced Virginia nursing home abuse or neglect personal injury attorney who will fight for your rights while you and your family recover, look no further than Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C. With over 30 years of experience defending men and women in Virginia who have been the victims of abuse and neglect, we will do everything in our power to ensure that you receive the compensation and justice you deserve.

Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223

Ask an AttorneyAsk an Attorney
Free Consultation

Name:

Phone:

Email:

Tell us more:


Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C.
112 College Place
Norfolk, VA 23510

Toll Free: (800) 690-0235
Phone: (757) 622-7740
Fax: (757) 533-9223

Map / Directions
©2009 Weisberg & Zaleski, P.C., All Rights Reserved, Reproduced with Permission
Website Design for Attorneys, Search Engine Optimization, Optimized Video Services for Lawyers and Update Your Website Yourself
by Foster Web Marketing - The Best Attorney Website Design & Hosting Firm
Get SEO Tips from The Attorney Internet Marketing Blog