FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:   Monday, June 5, 2017
CONTACT:  Sara Rabern (605) 773-3215

PIERRE, S.D. –  Attorney General Marty Jackley is asking South Dakotans to join in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2017. The Attorney General’s Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision has been in service for one year. The Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision was created by the Legislature during the 2016 legislative session and is comprised of one full-time investigator and one full-time prosecutor.
 
“Elder abuse and financial exploitation can occur in any community in South Dakota,” said Jackley. “Protecting our seniors is a strong priority in South Dakota. To learn how you can make a difference please visit http://atg.sd.gov/Victim/Seniors/default.aspx to explore the information available on Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation.”

In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision will be conducting a presentation on June 8, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Short Grass Art Council’s Tales on the River, and it will be located at the Moose Lodge in Fort Pierre.

The Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation Subdivision primarily investigates and prosecutes cases involving theft of assets from the elderly in South Dakota. The Medicaid Fraud Control Unit primarily investigates and prosecutes cases where an elder is abused or exploited by an employee of a facility.

If you would like a presentation on preventing Elder Abuse & Financial Exploitation, you are encouraged to contact the Office of Attorney General at (605) 773-3215. If you have a concern that an elder or disabled adult is being abused or exploited, please contact your local law enforcement.
 
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations began dedicating this annual event on June 15, 2006.

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