Schimel Announces Plan to Combat Elder Abuse

The state is introducing a plan to fight elder abuse across Wisconsin. Attorney
General Brad Schimel announced a task force is recommending new legislation,
agency action, and resources for law enforcement to combat the issue. 

The plans
provide several ways to prevent abuse. That includes allowing financial
institutions to block suspicious transactions that may be exploiting older
adults – creating a universal incident report for such cases, increasing
penalties for those committing crimes against vulnerable people, expedited hearings
for older victims, and adding a specialized elder abuse team. 

Schimel created
the task force last year to develop solutions to address growing concerns. The
Department of Health Services says allegations of elder abuse, neglect, and
exploitation has increased 160-percent in Wisconsin since 2001.