Our landmark Terminal Tower will be basked in purple on the evening of June 14 as the kick-off to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is June 15.
June 15 marks Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to recognize the importance of raising awareness about, preventing and reporting elder abuse. Older adults are valuable assets in our community. They are our neighbors, parents, grandparents, friends and mentors, and they deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
Unfortunately, some older adults do suffer from abuse — physical, sexual, self-neglect, neglect and financial exploitation. National statistics say only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported. Sadly, that means more elders are being abused, and it is not being reported. In Cuyahoga County, the Division of Senior and Adult Services’ Adult Protective Services unit helped nearly 2,400 victims of elder abuse last year.
Preventing elder abuse through improved social supports like senior center programs, in-home services and transportation helps our older adults to live independently and contribute to the vibrancy of our community. Reporting suspected abuse helps lift the veil of secrecy that puts older adults in harm’s way.
The Division of Senior and Adult Services invites all to spread the message in June by wearing purple on Fridays; sharing our Red Flags of Abuse fact sheet; and tuning in to our virtual webinar on June 15 at 1 p.m.
Anyone can call DSAS’ hotline to report elder abuse 24-hours a day at 216-420-6700. You can also report elder abuse online through the State’s APS web portal: https://aps.jfs.ohio.gov
Information about the County’s Adult Protective Services unit: https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/programs/detail/adult-protective-services
For more information about activities going on this month: https://hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/departments/dsas/adult-protective-services/elder-abuse-awareness-month
