According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 1992 and 1997, the average population of persons aged 65 or more was 31.3 million. These people were victims of 2.7 million property and violent crimes, either completed or attempted. Between 1993 and 2002, more than 9 in 10 crimes against the elderly were property crimes, and about 1 in 5 of personal crimes against the elderly was a theft.
Do you agree with the statement that an increase in the population of the elderly in the U.S. has led to a corresponding increase in criminal justice issues? Why?
Discuss the types of elder abuse and the difficulties that they present in criminal justice. What are some strategies that can be implemented to decrease elder abuse?