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| Signing Cherokee Nation proclamation to establish Elder Abuse Protection Initiative. |
Elder abuse is a rapidly growing problem nationwide
and within the Cherokee Nation’s boundaries. As we all know, that conflicts
with our Cherokee values and our inherent respect for our elders.
According to data from the U.S. Congress, more than
30 percent of financial scams are perpetrated on elders. Though many of us may
not want to believe it, there are criminals out there who want to take advantage
of senior citizens because they see them as easy prey. Many times when it
finally does come to light, it's something that has been going on for a very
long time and may not have been reported right away.
No one deserves that. That’s why Cherokee Nation is
spearheading a unique endeavor to end elder abuse. The Elder Abuse Protection
Initiative is a much-needed program, and I’m proud that we are taking the
initiative.
We are hoping to improve the knowledge about tribal
and state resources offered to our citizens and to better protect them. It is
wrong when people work their entire lives, raise children and grandchildren,
and take care of everyone around them, only to be taken advantage of at the
most vulnerable period in their lives.
Unfortunately, this is a severely under-reported
issue and scams specifically targeting seniors are on the rise. Seniors and
retirees often have retirement accounts and more savings in their accounts.
Seniors may be more trusting and not as tech-savvy and can fall prey to Internet
and phone scams.
Because so many business transactions from banking to health
care are conducted through the Internet, a criminal can be virtually anywhere
to access account information or steal identities.
Aging adults are at risk for financial abuse because
they are sometimes seen as easy targets due to physical limitations and
isolation. Educating people on how to recognize the warning signs and report
any suspicious activity is the only way to begin combating this growing trend.
America’s senior population continues to grow rapidly
as Baby Boomers transition into their silver years, so this problem will become
only more prevalent in the years ahead.
It’s hard to imagine that caretakers, friends and
relatives would prey on unsuspecting seniors, but they do, and more often than
we think. Before our elders realize it, their life savings are gone and they
are emotionally devastated and ashamed.
Standing up for our most vulnerable citizens starts
with awareness, education and strong public policy. We have developed programs
and partnerships for our seniors to learn about the best tools and practices to
keep themselves and their families safe.
The more people are aware of the signs, the better
the chances of disrupting the problem. It’s all about education, folks. We can
all help bring attention to this crime that lurks largely out of sight by being
aware of the indicators and sharing them with others.
I want to acknowledge Todd Hembree and the Attorney General’s
Office, as well as Marshal Shannon Buhl and the Cherokee Nation Marshal
Service. They have championed this initiative to provide awareness and education
that make prevention possible. Another component of this initiative is to be
more aggressive in prosecuting offenders who prey on Cherokee elders.
Much like our One Fire program to combat domestic
violence, we hope this initiative can be a one-stop shop for elders who need
information on housing, health care and financial aid services.
To request a copy of services for elders or how you
can better protect our Cherokee senior citizens, contact the Cherokee Nation
Attorney General’s office by calling (918) 453-5000
or (800) 256-0671.
No one should be the victim of fraud or have to
endure abuse or neglect in the Cherokee Nation, because our way is one of respect,
reverence and honor for elders.
Wado.
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