50+ Lifestyles

Iowa’s First Elder Criminal Law is Now in Effect

By Mike Mathews
Milestones Area Agency on Aging

On June 15, 2022 Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds signed Senate File 522 into law. Under this new legislation, criminal charges will now be applied for acts of abuse of anyone age 60+. The law defines elder abuse as “the abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, isolation, or sexual exploitation of an older individual” — a person 60 years or older — and establishes penalties ranging from a serious misdemeanor to a Class B felony, depending on the circumstances and resulting injuries of the abuse. The Elder Abuse Awareness Prevention & Awareness (EAPA) program is at the forefront of Milestone’s mission and the new law serves as an important stepping stone in the protection of Iowa’s older population.

“This has been a long coming,” said Milestones Adult Rights Specialist Theresa Davison. “There were gaps in the previous law that are now closed. Potential abusers know there will be consequences for their actions.”

Among the most notable aspects of the new legislation are the new criminal penalties for financial exploitation of an older adult.

“Financial abuse is what we see most often,” said Davison. “Sadly, financial abuse often times comes from a family member or someone the victim trusts.”

Davison points out that this trust is, in many cases, what makes the older individual an easy target.

“Often times an older individual will be more trusting toward a caregiver or family member. The perpetrator may also have intimate knowledge of the individual’s routines, households, finances, etc., so they know what they can gain through exploitation,” said Davison.

Abuse by family or trusted acquaintances is often the most common abuse to go unreported.

“Many of the victims are hesitant to report abuse by family, out of fear of that family member getting in trouble or be shunned by the family,” said Davison. “Our hope is that the new law serves as a deterrent for potential crime by family members.”

Education and awareness come at the forefront of Milestone’s EAPA program. Milestones works to educate and inform individuals of the services and supports which may be available for them to choose from. We also offer Adult/Elder Abuse Awareness presentations to community groups and organizations. The goal of this awareness is not only to let individuals know what protections are available, but also to inform citizens of the signs to recognize elder abuse.  Anyone that has suspicions of abuse is strongly encouraged to contact Milestones so we may perform a welfare check on the individual.

“If you see something, say something,” said Davison.  “Calls can remain anonymous, but you can be assured that we will investigate the situation and take whatever action may be needed to protect that individual.”

The goal of the Milestones EAPA program is to address and focus on prevention, intervention, detection and reporting elder abuse, neglect and exploitation by presenting the senior consumer with options to enhance and protect their life and independence.

If you are a victim of elder abuse, or wish to report suspicious activity, please call Milestones at (855) 410-6222.

Milestones offers evidence-based programs offer proven strategies to promote health, better manage and possibly even prevent disease among older adults, and reduce the risk of falling. With an emphasis on self-management, these programs are effective, convenient, affordable options for helping people improve the quality of their lives.