Elder Abuse: The Crime of the 21st Century. Social Sciences Essay

Elder Abuse
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Several years ago, Attorney Paul Greenwood started prosecuting elder abuse cases. He examined how these cases are handled in the judicial system, what causes elder abuse, how can we save their lives, and why these incidents are increasing in number. According to Paul Greenwood, the San Diego office has a handful of elder abuse units and not only their number should be increased but also elders must be protected on an immediate basis. He believed that it is one of the most aggressive crimes in the United States that needed immediate media, public and government attention. Attorney Paul Greenwood had spent the first ten years of his career in England where he defended and prosecuted such cases in a large number (2012).
Elder financial abuse (EFA) is one of the societal blights leading to loses of over $2.5 billion per year to victims. Attorney Paul Greenwood calls it a crime of the 21st century because attorneys who provide their services in this regard charge victims heavily. Plus, a large number of elders or adults are always at risk of losing their lives. So far, no measures have been taken to protect them, and no distinct laws are made in their favor. Using the latest technology and tools, criminals are defrauding their victims face-to-face. They are capable of identifying vulnerable seniors, getting in touch with them and urging them to part with their savings (2012).
For investigators, it is important to look for different signs or indicators in the victim before taking the final decision. These include bruises, burns, broken bones, pressure marks, abrasions, wearing ill-looking clothes, unusual weight loss, strange behavior (biting or rocking), and fearful reactions. In case of an emergency, they should call...