Joint Statement from the AARP Virgin Islands, Lieutenant Governor Roach, Esq. and Leaders of the US Virgin Islands Standing United Against the Abuse of Elder and Dependent Adults

Rebecca Hughson

AARP, which advocates for the more than 100 million older Americans aged 50 and older, including the 20,000 living in this Territory, is pleased to release a joint statement in recognition of June as Elder Abuse Awareness Month. This month is recognized globally as a time to raise awareness and inspire action to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older people.

During this month, we recommit to protecting the dignity and security of older Virgin Islanders and adults with disabilities by joining the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, Office of the Attorney General, Department of Human Services, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands and St. Thomas Federal Credit in a unified voice focused on bringing awareness to this important issue and expanding opportunities for additional protections for our vulnerable neighbors. Elder abuse comes in many forms, including physical or emotional abuse and neglect, sexual violence, and financial exploitation. It affects us all, and collectively we are working to stop it.

In the Virgin Islands, more than 21% of residents are aged 65 and older, making the Territory one of the fastest-aging communities in the Caribbean. Nationally, it is estimated that 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse, though many remain silent due to fear, isolation, or a lack of support.

In recent years, cases of abuse in the Territory—especially financial exploitation, neglect, and physical abuse—have risen, highlighting an urgent need for action across government, community organizations, and families. That is why AARP is leading legislative advocacy efforts to amend and strengthen the Elder & Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act of 2020. The proposed updates include:

• Creation of an Adult Abuse Registry to prevent abusers from working with vulnerable populations
• Expanded mandatory reporting laws to include financial, healthcare, and social service providers
• Enhanced authority for Adult Protective Services (APS) to respond more effectively
• Stronger interagency collaboration for abuse intervention and awareness
• Mandatory nationwide background checks for people working with this population

By amending the law, we set forth the most comprehensive actions in history to support older and dependent adults in the Virgin Islands.

This Elder Abuse Awareness Month, we must work together to create a community where all Virgin Islanders—regardless of age or ability—are valued, respected, and safe. We ask Virgin Islanders to take an active role in protecting, preventing, and responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation of our territory’s treasured population.

Signed,

Troy de Chabert-Schuster

State Director, AARP Virgin Islands



Tregenza A. Roach, Esq.

Lieutenant Governor, US Virgin Islands

 

Gordon C. Rhea, Esq.

Attorney General, US Virgin Islands

 

Averil E. George

Commissioner, Department of Human Services

 

Angus Drigo

Executive Director, Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands

 

Keisha L. Richards

Chief Executive Officer, St. Thomas Federal Credit Union

 

 

Resources:
If you suspect elder or dependent adult abuse in the U.S. Virgin Islands, or would like to learn more, please contact:

• Adult Protective Services – Department of Human Services(340) 774-0930 (St. Thomas/St. John), (340) 773-2323 (St. Croix)
• Office of the Attorney General – Medicaid Fraud Unit, (340) 774-5660, www.vi.gov
• Disability Rights Center of the Virgin Islands, (340) 776-4303, www.drcvi.org
• AARP Fraud Watch Network, 1-877-908-3360, www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork