Dependent Adult (Elder) Abuse Unit
The Polk County Attorney’s Office created the Dependent Adult Abuse Unit in 2002 to investigate and prosecute financial and physical crimes perpetrated upon dependent adult and elderly victims.
The Unit’s primary focus is threefold:
- Hold perpetrators of such crimes accountable for their conduct,
- Assist victims in being made whole after being subjected to financial and/or physical abuses, and
- Provide support and assistance through local services and Court-ordered protective measures.
The Unit handles misdemeanor and felony level offenses including Dependent Adult
Abuse under section 235B.20 of the Iowa Code, Wanton Neglect or Nonsupport of a
Dependent Adult under section 726.8, Wanton Neglect or Nonsupport of a Resident
of a Healthcare Facility under section 726.7 of the Iowa Code, as well as all other
applicable criminal statutes. In addition to prosecuting the various criminal charges,
the Unit also works with the Department of Human Services in obtaining various protective
and injunctive orders under Iowa Code sections 235B.17, 235B.18, and 235B.19.
If you have questions concerning Dependent Adult (Elder) Abuse or related criminal
conduct or would like additional information, you may contact the Dependent Adult
Abuse Unit at (515) 286-3737.
If you suspect Dependent Adult (Elder) Abuse within Polk County, Iowa, please contact
your local law enforcement agency as well as the Department of Human Services’
Dependent Adult Abuse Hot Line (800) 362-2178 or the Iowa Department
of Inspections & Appeals (877) 686-0027 (for suspected abuse
within Health Care Facilities).
The following agencies/resources may also be of assistance:
|
Polk County Attorney's Office |
(515) 286-3737 |
|
Dependent Adult Abuse Hot Line |
(800) 362-2178 |
|
Polk County Senior Services |
(515) 286-3679 |
|
Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Services
|
(515) 286-3535 |
|
Legal Aid Hot Line for Older Iowans |
(800) 992-8161 |