Elder Abuse Prevention Forum June 15

About 1 in 10 older Americans have reported experiencing elder abuse, and most experts believe the crime is underreported. According to the National Council on Aging, just 1 in 14 cases of abuse against people age 60-plus is reported to authorities.

As part of an effort to stop the trend, AARP West Virginia is working with several organizations to sponsor an abuse prevention event at the University of Charleston on Thursday, June 15. The forum will include presentations on elder abuse, including financial exploitation.

Common forms of financial abuse include cashing checks without consent, misusing or stealing an older person’s assets, or deceiving the victim into signing a contract or will.

West Virginia’s population is aging fast, with 30 percent of the state expected to be 60 or older by 2030.