Local News
Elder Abuse Will Not Be Tolerated
A Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Detective says elder abuse is something they won’t put up with in the County. Detective Dave Olig points out the state’s population is aging and there will likely be more elder abuse as that population ages. Over the next two decades the state’s 65 and older population will increase by 72 percent. One in nine senior citizens reports being abused, neglected or exploited in the past 12 months. It is likely more abuse is not being reported. Olig works with both the Fond du Lac Senior Center and the Aging and Disabilities Resource Center. Sometimes he gets referrals for abuse, which can include financial, emotional, physical or even sexual abuse. Other times the Sheriff’s Department gets a complaint that they then share with ADRC or Social Services. Wisconsin Attorney General Brad Schimel has launched an elder abuse awareness campaign. Suspected elder abuse can be reported to the AG’s Medicaid Fraud and Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-800-448-3780.