Michigan Takes a Strong Stand Against Elder Abuse

Written by Adam Peck Category: Elder Abuse January 26th, 2013 2 min read

Taking a stand against elder abuse in Michigan, the Michigan House of Representatives today passed a plan sponsored by State Representative Dian Slavens (D-Canton) that will create a statewide protocol for investigating cases of elder abuse and makes it easier for victims to testify against their abuser.

“Elder abuse is a despicable crime and we need a plan to stop it,” said Slavens, a member of the House Senior Health, Security and Retirement Committee. “As a respiratory therapist at local hospitals for more than 20 years, I know how difficult it can be for victims to come forward after suffering physical and emotional trauma. This plan will empower more seniors to hold their abusers accountable by allowing them to testify via closed circuit television. By educating law enforcement agencies on how to work with seniors who are being abused or exploited, we can help raise awareness of this often hidden crime.”

Slavens’ plan, which now heads to the Senate, is part of a larger effort to strengthen protections for seniors and increase penalties for those who physically abuse or financially exploit them. The Elder Abuse Protection Plan, which the House began moving in August, increases penalties for those who cheat or defraud seniors; empowers concerned citizens to file criminal complaints to stop and prevent abuse cases in nursing homes and elsewhere; and requires financial institutions to do more to disclose the rights of seniors and create new safeguards against fraud.

In October, the House unanimously passed a plan that creates the “Mozelle Alert” to notify the public in cases of missing seniors, similar to the Amber Alert. The alert is named in honor of Estella Mozelle Pierce, a senior who died after wandering from her Southwest Detroit home.

“Michigan’s current laws are simply not enough when it comes to protecting our seniors from predators,” Slavens said. “Our seniors worked hard all of their lives to provide for their families, and they deserve our support. By passing this plan today, we’re sending a clear and resounding message that those who abuse or exploit Michigan’s seniors will not get away with it.”

– from Steven Peck, Senior Attorney at Peck Law Group

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Written by Adam Peck

Expertise: Personal Injury

Adam J. Peck, ESQ is a principal with Peck Law Group, APC. In 2008, Mr. Adam Peck received his Juris Doctorate from Whittier Law School where he graduated Cum Laude. His practice is primarily dedicated to representing Elders, Dependent Adults, along with their loved ones and family members, who have suffered horrific personal injuries.