New United States Department of Justice Report on Crimes Against the Elderly

New United States Department of Justice Report on Crimes Against the Elderly

Recently, the Bureau of Justice Statistics of the US Department of Justice released a report “Crimes Against the Elderly, 2003-2013.” https://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/cae0313.pdf Some of the findings, which are based on data from the National Crime Victimization Survey, data from the Center for Disease Control and US Census Bureau are surprising.
The report defined the elderly as persons 65 and older. It found that the rates of violent crime and property crimes against the elderly which do not result in a fatality are lower than those of younger persons. The majority of elderly violent crime victims were victimized at or near their residences but a smaller percentage of them suffered an injury during the incidents compared to victims aged 12-49. Elderly persons experienced more identity theft than persons 15 to 24 years old but less than persons aged 25-64.
Although some of this data may reflect the growing vigilance of society towards protection of the elderly, it also shows that the elderly are most vulnerable in and near their homes. Perhaps the policy makers will utilize this report to continue the public watchfulness to protecting one of society’s most vulnerable populations.

Lori G. Levin
Attorney at Law
180 N. LaSalle, Suite 3700
Chicago, IL 60601
312-767-2356
[email protected]
www.lorilevinlaw.com

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