With financial exploitation and other forms of elder abuse on the rise, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has launched a new statewide campaign encouraging residents to recognize the warning signs and report suspected abuse.
Estimates show that one in 10 Ohioans age 60 or older experiences some form of abuse, but only one in five cases is ever reported.
“There is an epidemic of underreporting,” Yost said. “Our elders need to know there is no shame in being victimized. The shame belongs only to those who harm and take advantage of vulnerable residents.”
Yost introduced the initiative during this month’s meeting of the Attorney General’s Elder Abuse Commission, unveiling a new awareness video titled “What’s Done in the Dark.”
The video is part of a broader public education effort led by the Attorney General’s Elder Justice Unit and will be featured on the office’s new Elder Abuse Resources webpage and at events across the state.
According to state data, reports of elder abuse in Ohio — including physical, emotional, sexual, financial abuse, and neglect — have increased 400% over the past seven years.
In most cases, the abuser is someone the victim knows well.
“The main perpetrator in about 90% of cases is a family member or another trusted individual,” Delaware County Prosecutor Melissa Schiffel says in the video. “Many times, seniors are reluctant to report abuse because of embarrassment. It’s really up to us to protect them — and that means being vigilant.”
Yost also announced a new partnership with the Ohio Pharmacists Association to help identify and prevent elder abuse.
Pharmacists will receive training to recognize warning signs, display campaign materials in stores, and attach educational information to prescription bags.
“Pharmacy plays a role in maintaining health and dignity,” said Association Executive Director David E. Burke. “With this effort, that assistance extends beyond the pharmacy counter.”
Yost said the partnership marks the first of several collaborations his office hopes to establish with organizations that regularly interact with older Ohioans.
“It’s going to take all of us — pharmacists, bankers, law enforcement, physicians, retirement communities, and neighbors — to get at the root of this scourge,” Yost said. “Our senior citizens deserve dignity, protection, and justice as much as anybody else.”
The campaign’s video also features several Ohio victims who share their personal stories to help others recognize the signs of abuse and feel empowered to come forward.
“Ohio owes a debt of gratitude to those who stepped forward to share their painful stories,” Yost said. “Their courage will help others find the strength to do the same.”
