OCES Raising Awareness of Elder Abuse through Virtual Event
June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) invites the public to participate in our virtual event to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In previous years, OCES raised awareness of elder abuse by holding “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth. This year, beginning June 15th and through the end of the month, OCES will raise awareness of elder abuse by holding a virtual WEAAD event.
The theme for WEAAD 2020 is “Lifting Up Voices”.
How it Works
To participate in OCES’ virtual event, simply take a photograph of yourself holding up a sign with how you are helping in the community by being a voice, to help prevent, and/or raise awareness about elder abuse. Some examples of helping in the community include: checking on neighbors, listening to older adults, helping bring in their mail, and reporting concerns.
Then, upload your picture to OCES’ WEAAD event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/602292773713778/ or follow OCES @OCESMA on Facebook for more information.
Use the hashtags #ElderAbuse #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting your pictures.
“OCES’ call-to-action is for organizations, communities and individuals to lift up their voices – and raise awareness about elder abuse,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES. “Even with social distancing, we can still work together, to collaborate and build awareness to this important issue.”
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/
See Something, Say Something
OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect or self neglect. Common risk factors are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.
OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline), and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.
If you have concerns contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you are looking to file a report on elder abuse, contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275. If you ‘See Something, Say Something, please report.