Elder abuse has been an increasingly common issue across the country in recent years. Monmouth County, New Jersey, is no exception to this trend. Unfortunately, according to at least one report on the topic, New Jersey's elder abuse protections are among the weakest in the nation.
Understanding the steps you can take if you suspect someone is the victim of elder abuse in Monmouth County is critical. Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to assist an elderly loved one by helping them secure a restraining order.
The Lento Law Firm's Family Law Team can help. Offering elder abuse legal services in Monmouth County, we're prepared to review your case, explain your options, and take the steps necessary to protect an elderly person who may be at risk. Learn more about what we can do for you by calling our offices at 888-535-3686 or by submitting your information via our online contact form.
Reporting Elder Abuse in Monmouth County
Per Monmouth County's Division of Social Services, anyone who suspects elder abuse or neglect should report their concerns to the relevant branch of Adult Protective Services (APS).
Monmouth County's APS office is located at:
Adult Protective Services of Monmouth County
1900 Route 35, P.O. Box 8639
Oakhurst, New Jersey 07755
Telephone: 732-531-9191
Monmouth County's Division of Social Services also states that it's necessary to report any suspected crimes to local law enforcement. If you believe a vulnerable elderly person is being abused in a manner that constitutes criminal activity, discuss this with APS when reporting your concerns.
The APS representative with whom you speak may indicate they will report the matter to the police on your behalf. Or they may advise you to do so.
These are also issues we can address during a consultation. At the Lento Law Firm Family Law Team, we'll gladly explain the steps you should take once we review your case and its details.
Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse can take many forms. Familiarizing yourself with the different types of elder abuse (and common warning signs indicating abuse is occurring) can help you better determine whether it's time to take action. That said, if you have any reason to believe that elder abuse is occurring, it's best to err on the side of caution and report your concerns accordingly.
Elder abuse can take the following forms:
- Physical abuse: Striking, slapping, or forcefully restraining elderly people are common forms of physical elder abuse. Warning signs to look out for include bruises and unexplained injuries.
- Emotional/psychological abuse: This form of abuse can range from name-calling to social isolation. Changes in mood or behavior may indicate such abuse is occurring.
- Sexual abuse: Any non-consensual sexual contact with an older adult may constitute sexual abuse. Look for changes in mood or behavior or physical signs of abuse near the genitals or other sexual body parts.
- Financial abuse: Someone may take advantage of a vulnerable elderly person in Monmouth County by stealing from them, convincing them to transfer funds, or otherwise improperly using their money or property. If you can, monitor your loved one's finances, paying attention to unexplained withdrawals or other such changes.
- Neglect: Even if someone doesn't directly abuse an elderly person, they can nevertheless harm them by neglecting their needs. Warning signs of neglect may include pressure sores, changes in weight, signs of poor hygiene, and any signs indicating an elderly person may not be taking their medication or receiving necessary medical care.
Be aware that an elderly person may not even realize they're the victim of abuse. As a loved one, it may be your responsibility to step in and take action when abuse appears.
How a Restraining Order Can Help Prevent Elder Abuse in Monmouth County
A restraining order (RO) can help guard against elder abuse in New Jersey. Generally, a restraining order can offer protection from the following individuals/parties:
- Spouses
- Former spouses
- Any other current or former household members
- Anyone with whom a victim has a child
- Anyone with whom the victim is expecting a child (regardless of which party is pregnant)
- Any dating partner
The process of obtaining a RO in Monmouth County involves:
- Petitioning the court for a temporary restraining order (TRO), which can be done at the local police office where the alleged abuse occurred
- Participating in a hearing for a final restraining order (FRO)
If the court issues a TRO, it will usually schedule a hearing for no more than 10 days from the date it did so. Both the party seeking the FRO and the party against whom the FRO is sought can use this opportunity to present their cases.
An FRO can offer various protections depending on the circumstances. For example, it may require an alleged abuser to keep a certain distance from the victim at all times. If the alleged abuser lives with the victim, a FRO may even require them to change their living situation.
Technically, adults must seek a restraining order themselves in Monmouth County. You may not be able to file for a RO on an elderly person's behalf unless you can show they're mentally incapacitated or otherwise unable to take this step. However, there are potential exceptions. For example, the police may file for a TRO on an elderly person's behalf if you call the cops and they determine abuse is occurring.
The Lento Law Firm Family Law Team Can Help With Your Monmouth County Elder Abuse Case
Determining whether you even have the right to seek a restraining order for someone else is just one challenge you may face when you suspect elder abuse is happening in Monmouth County.
Luckily, you don't have to face these challenges alone. Our Family Law Team at the Lento Law Firm is available to help during what may be a stressful time. We'll review your case and explain how we can assist you in protecting a vulnerable elderly loved one. Get started today by calling us at 888-535-3686 or by submitting your information online.
