The Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit (EPDU) is committed to prosecuting those criminals who prey upon and take advantage of elders and persons with disabilities in our community. The EPDU specializes in providing support, assistance and resources to prevent the victimization of elders and persons with disabilities. It is the mission of my office to ensure that these citizens in Suffolk County receive swift and effective justice. The EPDU works closely with local police, protective services and community providers. The EPDU reaches out to citizens by meeting the public and explaining how to recognize the signs of physical and sexual abuse, neglect and fraud, and how to prevent and report crime. A strong partnership committed to combating crimes against elders and persons with disabilities will result in holding offenders accountable for these serious crimes. Elder Abuse The EPDU is responsible for investigating and prosecuting certain crimes committed against persons who are sixty years of age or older. These offenses include robbery, assault and battery, financial fraud and theft. As the elder population continues to grow, crimes against elders will continue to increase in number and complexity. The EPDU staff is trained and prepared to respond to the special needs of the elder population of Suffolk County. Abuse of Persons with Disabilities The EPDU is dedicated to assisting victims of abuse who have disabilities. The EPDU investigates and prosecutes crimes committed against people with mental illness, mental retardation, and physical disabilities. These crimes include sexual and physical abuse, neglect and financial fraud. Interviewing mentally or physically disabled persons who may have been victimized requires a careful approach that preserves the person's dignity and trust. Special services are available from the EPDU to assist victims of crime and to further enhance the investigation and prosecution of criminals who prey upon individuals with disabilities. SAFETY TIPS: Do not open your door to strangers Request to see identification from any utility, home improvement or government worker who wants to enter your house or apartment Do not keep large sums of money in your home Never give out your social security number, bank account, or credit card numbers to unsolicited telephone callers Call 911 if you see a person acting suspiciously in your neighborhood Have you been the victim of a crime? Please refer to the numbers below for reporting and assistance. Helpful Resources and Telephone Numbers: For help or information about your rights and options, call one of the following numbers: Suffolk County District Attorney's Office Elders and Persons with Disabilities Unit: V: (617) 619-4262 TTY: (617) 619-4333 Police: Emergencies: 911 Boston: (617) 343-4200 MBTA Police: (617) 222-1212 Chelsea: (617) 884-1212 Winthrop: (617) 846-1212 Revere: (781) 284-1212 Disabled Persons Protection Commission Hotline: (800) 426-9009 (V/TTY) Department of Mental Health: (617) 626-8000 Dept. of Mental Retardation (Metro Region): (781) 894-3600 Mass Rehab Commission: (508) 823-2874 Elder Abuse Hotline: (800) 922-2275 Ethos (Boston Protective Services): (617) 522-6700 Chelsea/Revere/Winthrop Elder Services: (781) 286-0550 Domestic Violence Unit contents: (617) 635-4366 Nat'l Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-SAFE SafeLink statewide 24-hr. hotline: (877) 785-2020 MA Office for Victim Assistance: (617) 727-5200 The Ride c/o MBTA: (617) 722-5123