Office of the DeKalb County District Attorney

Stone Mountain Judicial Circuit

Sherry Boston, District Attorney

Elder Abuse

Elder abuse is the maltreatment or neglect of dependent older people. It can be passive neglect, psychological abuse, financial abuse, active neglect, or physical abuse. Often, in cases in passive neglect, tensions from complicated, conflicted or unresolved family relationships result in neglect.

Occasionally, caregivers and family members find themselves stressed by the responsibility and thus become neglectful. Except in the instance of passive abuse, which is not intentionally caused and arises when a caregiver is overworked / under-informed, elder abuse is a deliberate act of hostility. In more active forms of abuse, there is actual intent to inflict harm or deprivation on the older person.

To report Elder Abuse, please click here.

DeKalb At-Risk Adult Multidisciplinary Team
The DeKalb At-Risk Adult Multidisciplinary Team (DARA MDT) was founded in January 2020 by DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston under O.C.G.A. § 30-5-11.

DARA is a multi-agency, multi-partnered group assembled to assess, investigate, prosecute, and review abuse cases involving elder persons, disabled adults, and residents of long-term care facilities. MDT members work in collaboration to address systematic issues, review cases, and holistically address the needs of vulnerable adults in the local community. 

COVID-19 Resource Guide for Aging and Disabled Adults
Members of the DARA MDT have partnered to assemble a COVID-19 Resource Guide for Aging and Disabled Adults. Download the Resource Guide here