Unless you were still dwelling on or celebrating election results, making early preparations for Thanksgiving, or had gotten a jumpstart on winter hibernation, you probably heard about the November 15 heavyweight fight between boxing legend “Iron Mike” Tyson and YouTuber-turned boxer Jake Paul that viewers described as “underwhelming,” with many tuning out and leaving the arena before the “debacle” was over.
During the fight, it didn't take long for some to question whether the Netflix “freak show” between the 27-year-old Paul and 58-year-old Tyson could be considered “elder abuse.” In fact, one opinion writer put the idea out there two days ahead of the fight, asking readers, “If Paul wins, should we call it elder abuse?”
The question might sound legitimate, but was the match-up between Paul and the “grandfather” Mike more than a “hard to watch,” “ridiculous” spectacle, veering into what could legally be described as elder abuse?
If you've been accused of elder abuse in Pennsylvania, don't enter the ring without a strong legal defense. The LLF Law Firm's Criminal Law Team will fight to ensure your rights are protected. Call us today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form.
What is Elder Abuse, Legally?
Considering whether Jake Paul should be held to account, it's important to consider that generally, laws pertaining to elder abuse don't simply refer to anyone who mentally, emotionally, or physically abuses or neglects someone considered a senior. In Pennsylvania, for example, elder abuse laws are aimed at protecting adults who are care-dependent from neglect, manipulation, or abuse by someone they rely on for care, such as an at-home caregiver or nursing home employee.
More specifically, even adults as young as 18 (through age 59) who have a physical or mental disability are protected by Pennsylvania's elder abuse laws, as are adults 60 and over who depend on someone for care. Again, for it to be considered elder abuse, the perpetrator must be someone the victim relies on for care. Based on this, unless Jake Paul was a designated caretaker for Mike Tyson, it would be difficult for charges of elder abuse to stand up in court.
That doesn't mean you have to consider their fight fair. Tyson himself even revealed to his wife after that he wasn't even sure why he went through with the fight, that he “kind of blanked out” and wondered “what the hell went on.” For Paul, he obviously felt some degree of sympathy for Tyson, explaining after the bout that he “didn't want to hurt someone that didn't need to be hurt.”
Given these circumstances, if Tyson's wife or another family were considered his caretakers, and they coerced him into fighting Paul, sure, you could make an argument for elder abuse under Pennsylvania law. But implicating his opponent wouldn't likely get very far.
Elder Abuse or Domestic Violence?
Apart from the crime of elder abuse, and sometimes confused with it, are domestic violence crimes. The term conjures up images of battered spouses, but Pennsylvania domestic violence laws cover anyone who is being harmed by their family or household members. So, most accused of abusing an elderly relative will likely be charged under Pennsylvania's domestic violence laws, unless they were also considered an official caregiver and the victim is care-dependent.
Charges of “Neglect of Care-Dependent Persons,” much like domestic violence charges, are very serious in Pennsylvania. Those facing elder abuse accusations, depending on the severity, could potentially face felony charges and up to 20 years in prison. Two state departments field reports of neglect and abuse from all over the state, including through a 24/7 Elder Abuse Hotline. They are the Department of Aging, which oversees the application of the Older Adults Protective Services Act for individuals ages 60 and over, and Adult Protective Services, which protects care-dependent adults between the ages of 18 and 59 with a physical or mental disability.
Mandatory Reporters of Elder Abuse
It's not only the perpetrators of elder abuse or domestic violence who are at risk of facing penalties related to elder abuse. Employees and administrators of assisted living or nursing care facilities, for example, or healthcare professionals, are mandated by law to report anyone they suspect of committing elder abuse to their local agency on aging and/or local law enforcement. Failure to do so can result in criminal charges.
The LLF Law Firm Defends Against Elder Abuse Charges
If you've been accused of elder abuse in Pennsylvania, don't face charges on your own or with an inexperienced attorney. Who you hire could have a very definite impact on your future and your freedom. Contact the LLF Law Firm's Criminal Defense Team today at 888-535-3686 or through our online form to learn more about how we can help and begin building a strong defense in your case.
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