The Westchester County District Attorney’s Office defines elder abuse as any crime involving a victim who is 60 years of age or older. In the majority of these crimes, the victim is specifically targeted because of their age. Examples of typical crimes committed against elderly victims include:

  • Domestic violence or neglect at the hands of a family member or caregiver
  • Financial exploitation and thefts committed by a family member, caregiver, home health aide or a stranger engaged in a fraudulent scam
  • Abuse of a power of attorney by someone entrusted to act as a fiduciary

The Elder Abuse Unit of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office specializes in the investigation and prosecution of crimes against older victims in the county. An Assistant District Attorney with specialized training in the detection, investigation and prosecution of elder abuse handles all of these cases from the initial report of abuse until the completion of any prosecution of the matter. The ADA is assisted by a criminal investigator of the Westchester County District Attorney’s Office to assist with the investigation, in order to determine whether a criminal investigation and prosecution is warranted. The Investigator assists the prosecutor to gather evidence with the goal of enhancing a prosecution of the offender. As it is often difficult for an elderly victim to obtain transportation or drive themselves to the office for a consultation, the ADA and Investigator are available to respond to the victim’s residence to make the process easier for these elderly and vulnerable victims. This office works in cooperation with local law enforcement and Adult Protective Services (APS) in the investigation and prosecution of elder abuse.

If a senior citizen has been physically abused or is in danger, call 911 immediately.

Other important telephone numbers:

  • Westchester County District Attorney’s Office Elder Abuse Unit: (914) 995-3000
  • Westchester County District Attorney’s Office 24-hour hotline: (914) 995-1940
  • Westchester County Adult Protective Services Intake Line:  (914) 995-2259 (Mon. - Fri;  9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.)  Evenings, holidays, and weekends, call Emergency Services (914) 995-2099.