From the desk of St. Landry Parish Sheriff Bobby Guidroz
June 15 is World Elderly Abuse Awareness Day; our senior citizens should not live a life of abuse. Just like our Special Needs Section, the Elderly Abuse Section is dear to my heart. We have created an Elderly Abuse Section ran by highly trained deputies that are responsible for the protection of adults over the age 60.
The section concentrates on acts or omissions which result in physical, emotional abuse, and neglect inflicted by caregivers and from self-neglect by the individual themselves. Louisiana law also protects seniors from acts of financial exploitation and extortion.
Physical abuse is pushing, hitting or restraining an elder. Sexual exploitation, involving an elder is any act or situation that is sexual in nature without their consent. Neglect includes withholding of medication, medical care, food, personal care, utilities, daily necessities, and over medication.
Calls or Reports of abuse can be made to the Governor’s Office of Elderly and Adult Protection at 1-800-898-4910 or our office at 337-948-6516.