June 15: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

It is a disturbing fact that millions of Americans have experienced some form of elder abuse, and it is still happening. Too many older Americans are being abused, neglected, or exploited by someone they thought they could trust. With World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Sunday June 15th, it is time to acknowledge this serious issue and speak up to help put an end to elder abuse.

As with other types of abuse, the majority of elder abuse cases go unreported. Victims may feel too embarrassed, isolated, guilty, or afraid to report abuse. No one should have to endure abuse or feel that they can't report it. Whether you are a victim of elder abuse or you have witnessed someone else being abused, please know that there are ways you can help put a stop to it. The first step in reporting elder abuse is recognizing the problem. It can be hard to tell if elder abuse is occurring because there are so many different forms of abuse. Elder abuse can be: neglect, financial abuse or exploitation, psychological, emotional, sexual, and physical. If you suspect that someone you know is being abused, or if you are a victim of elder abuse, there are local resources available to help you. Click here to access the Maine Council for Elder Abuse website for information on who to contact to report abuse. If you are concerned for someone's immediate safety, please dial 911 or your local police department.

You can help in the movement to end elder abuse! For more information, visit the Administration for Community Living website: http://bit.ly/1hBA5uF