Elder Abuse
Crimes against senior citizens are on the rise. As recently reported in The Boston Globe, the number of elder abuse cases has experienced a significant rise due to economic and societal factors. Elder abuse can come in the form of physical or mental abuse, or financial exploitation. In the fiscal year that ended June 30 2008, the Office of Elder Affairs received 14,909 reports of elder abuse and 4,423 confirmed cases, which were respectively a 30% and 19% increase from FY 2005.
Elderly persons are many times too frightened or embarrassed to report their abuse. As your District Attorney, I will work to raise awareness of this problem, to encourage elder and disabled victims to come forward, and to swiftly prosecute offenders.
Domestic Violence
The dramatic statewide rise in domestic violence cases, in particular homicides due to domestic violence, resulted in Governor Patrick declaring a public health emergency to address this crisis. As Register in the Hampshire Probate & Family Court, I regularly see the devastation caused by domestic violence. Victims of domestic violence are traumatized and frightened and sometimes uprooted from their homes as they seek a restraining order or criminal complaint against the abuser. While Register I have been involved in community educational forums and projects to better address domestic violence in our communities. As your District Attorney, the prosecution and prevention of domestic violence will be a daily priority.
Child Abuse
The number of child abuse cases involving a young child who is physically or sexually abused is intolerable. Working in collaboration with schools, law enforcement, social service agencies, and other community partners is very important in the detection, investigation and prosecution of these cases. I will continue to make sure that specialized staff and attorneys handle these matters so that cases are prosecuted while minimizing any more traumas on child abuse victims. The Northwestern District Attorney's Office has taken a leadership role and many positive steps to assist with the prosecution of child abuse cases. I would build on successful child advocacy initiatives and work diligently to insure that every child abuse case is justly resolved.