Delaware Department of Justice Commemorates World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th

Local efforts include programs throughout the state

WILMINGTON, DE – The Delaware Department of Justice is commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by hosting a series of panel discussions in each county.

Based on the theme “Stop Abuse of the Vulnerable and Elderly (S.A.V.E.)” the events are designed to bring greater recognition of mistreatment of older adults and highlight the resources available to victims and their families.

The events will include panel discussions on elder abuse and senior protection issues, and consist of various professionals with knowledge in Adult Protective Services, Health Care, Financial Exploitation & Scams, and Law Enforcement.

The discussions, sponsored by the Delaware Department of Justice’s Senior Protection Initiative, will all take place on Monday, June 15, 2015, at the following times and locations:

Sacred Heart Village
Lower Level
920 N. Madison Street
Wilmington, DE 19801
10:00AM

Newark Senior Center
Evergreen Banquet Room
200 White Chapel Drive
Newark, DE 19713
11:00AM

Modern Maturity Center
Main Dining Room
1121 Forrest Avenue, Dover, DE 19904
11:00AM

CHEER Community Center
20520 Sandhill Road
Georgetown, DE 19947
10:00AM

Every year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans who live at home are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: For every 1 case of elder abuse that comes to light, another 23 remain hidden.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD is in support of the UN’s International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.