The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates that 1 in 10 Americans aged 60+ have experienced some form of elder abuse. In almost 60% of the cases, the perpetrator is a family member. Elders who have been abused have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who have not been mistreated.
According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, “In fiscal year 2015, 24,978 elder abuse reports were received and there were 7,117 newly confirmed allegations of elder abuse. These numbers represent an increase of 37% of the total number of elder abuse reports and a 57% increase in confirmed allegations compared to FY 2011.”
June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month, and OCES will be leading two marches with members from our local Councils on Aging (COA) and other dedicated citizens on June 15 in Brockton and June 22 in Plymouth.
On Thursday, June 15, 12 noon, rain or shine, we will meet at the Brockton COA at 10 Father Kenney Way in Brockton and will march down Main Street to our OCES offices at 144 Main Street. We will then return to the Brockton COA to enjoy a speaking program and light lunch.
On Thursday, June 22, 11 am, rain or shine, we will meet at the Center for Active Living (Plymouth COA) at 44 Nook Road in Plymouth for transportation to the Plymouth waterfront, where we will march for a short distance and then be transported back to the Plymouth COA for our awareness event including speakers and a light lunch.
We encourage everyone to join us for this important event. To RSVP please call the Brockton COA at 508.580.7811 or the Plymouth COA at 508.830.4230 or by contacting Lisa Mullin of OCES at 508.584.1561 x 206 or by email at lmullin@ocesma.org by June 8th for Brockton and June 15th for Plymouth.
We are thankful for our sponsors HarborOne Bank, The Plymouth Center for Healthy Living, the Brockton Council on Aging, Roche Brothers, Shaw’s Supermarkets, The Plymouth County District Attorney, Plymouth Police Relief Association and the Brockton Police Department for their support.
