Elder abuse is a significant social problem with an estimated one in 10 older adults who live in their homes becoming victims each year, according to the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life.

In Maine, we have one of the highest elderly populations in the nation, with staggering growth predicted due to the aging of our baby boomers. Projections anticipate by 2030, 33 percent of Maine’s population will be older than 60.

Currently, the number of seniors in Maine who are abused is estimated to be more than 30,000 per year, according the Maine Office of the Attorney General.

Elder abuse is a crime that should never be tolerated. Because it is under reported and society has not made these crimes felonies, many elders are suffering without the help and support they need. Ricker Hamilton, deputy commissioner of programs at Maine Department of Health and Human Services, says authorities have seen common patterns and tactics of abuse. The typical perpetrator is a family member or caregiver and therefore others do not believe the victims when they report crimes. Victims also tend to blame themselves and wonder what they have done wrong, adding to their emotional and psychological pain.

“Those people who take advantage of our seniors are motivated by power, control and greed,” Hamilton writes in a report, adding that elders who are dependent make easier victims because perpetrators feel they won’t be reported. They will blackmail the victim with threats of nursing home placement or further neglect, he added.

Mainers care about their elders and public servants have worked to initiate new legislation this year that would help protect them from financial exploitation. The most recent bill proposed an increase in staff to investigate and prosecute these crimes against seniors and a change to the criminal language, adding financial exploitation of elders as a form of abuse.

In March 2015, Attorney General Janet Mills’s task force on the financial exploitation of elders presented a final report on the issue. The report substantiates the disturbing trend of increasing financial crimes against the elderly. Significant barriers to prosecution were identified with recommendations that would promote improved prosecution of perpetrators, according to the Maine Office of the Attorney General.

We know the impact of abuse can not only devastating emotionally and financially to the victims, but it also puts our elders at a 300 percent increased risk for death compared to those who are not abused, according to the National Center for Elder Abuse Administration on Aging. Additionally, research shows that victims of elder abuse have more health problems, including increased bone or joint problems, digestive problems, depression or anxiety, chronic pain, high blood pressure and heart problems.

Besides becoming socially active and politically informed about how we are managing these devastating crimes, please consider helping in your community. Get to know your local seniors and keep in touch with your elder loved ones. Ask how they are doing when they are alone in case they are intimidated by a close contact. Follow up with elders who stop going to usual social events, clubs and churches. Act as a voice for those who are silenced, intimidated, confused or unable to get out of these situations.

If you suspect any problems, call the Elder Abuse Hotline/Adult Protective Services at 800-624-8404 or your local police department.

Kristen Knopp is an Oxford resident and family nurse practitioner student at St. Joseph’s College.