World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Letter to the Editor

From Kathy Bennett, on behalf of the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected and exploited. It occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more a year through financial abuse and exploitation—funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food and medical care. And yet, it is estimated that only one in five of those crimes are ever discovered.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, organizations that recognize elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD is an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse, exploitation and neglect.

In 2003 the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force was created to better identify, investigate and prosecute crimes against seniors and to provide victims with support and services. Ten years later the task force continues to work to end elder abuse in our community. What can you do to help? First, be aware of elder abuse: visit the National Center on Elder Abuse at www.ncea.aoa.gov for elder abuse signs and symptoms. Second, if you think an older person is being abused, call 1.800.490.8505 for assistance, information and support. More information about the BCCAOA Task Force can be found at www.crimesagainstolderadultsbucks.org. Together we can make Bucks County a safer community for all of our seniors.

 Kathy Bennett, MSW/LSW

Associate Director, Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)

Coordinator, Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force

Kathy@NOVABucks.org, 215.343.6543

*The Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force is comprised of these organizations:

Bucks County District Attorney’s Office