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OKLAHOMA CAPITOL --- According to recent data, there were 9,758 confirmed reports of adult abuse in Oklahoma for fiscal year 2003. That’s an increase of more than 530 confirmed reports from fiscal year 2002. This number also more than erases the decrease of 270 confirmed reports seen in fiscal year 2002.
“Though the number of investigations has gone from 7,074 in fiscal year 1994 to 15,913 in fiscal year 2003 — an increase of 125 percent — it was hoped that last years decrease in confirmations would be the beginning of a trend,” said Barbara Kidder, director, Oklahoma Department of Human Services Adult Protective Services. “Unfortunately, that has not been the case.”
Of the 9,758 confirmed cases of adult abuse in fiscal year 2003, 64 percent were self-neglect, 14 percent were caretaker neglect and 13 percent were financial exploitation, eight percent were caretaker abuse and one percent was sexual abuse.
Compounding the problem of adult abuse is the fact that Oklahoma’s elderly population is large and continuing to grow. According to the U.S. Census, Oklahoma ranks 19th in the nation in percentage of its population that is age 65 and older. The Oklahoma Department of Commerce projects that the number of Oklahomans age 85 and older will almost double by the year 2030.
“Adult abuse is a big problem, but beginning to solve it can be simple,” said Kidder. “Keep in touch with your elderly or disabled friends and neighbors. Ask how they are doing and if they need any help. Keeping them connected greatly reduces the chances that they will be taken advantage of or suffer from the isolation that often leads to self-neglect. Just a few minutes of your time can make their day and keep them from becoming a statistic.”
To report suspected abuse, contact the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-522-3511, or, click on www.OKDHS.org/APS/.
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