World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), June 15, was launched at the United Nations in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization in order to raise awareness about abuse and neglect of older persons.

This year on June 15, the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults (CAOA) Task Force is hosting a table at the courthouse in Doylestown from which task force members will hand out information about elder abuse as well as purple ribbons to signify awareness about this issue in our community.

Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused, neglected and exploited. The cost to them from elder financial abuse and exploitation across the United States is an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually. In Bucks County last year, 364 cases of suspected or observed elder abuse or neglect were reported to the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging’s Adult Protective Services Unit.

Unfortunately, no one is immune to elder abuse. It occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone: a family member, a neighbor — even you. Yet it is estimated that only one in five of those crimes is ever discovered. Abuse and neglect of older persons is largely little discussed, under-recognized and under-reported.

How can you help? You can raise awareness about elder abuse by wearing something purple on June 15. You can visit websites such as the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA), the U.S. Administration on Aging, and the Bucks County CAOA Task Force for information and how to help in your community.

But most importantly, you can call 1.800.490.8505 in Pennsylvania to report abuse or to seek help if you suspect elder abuse and neglect. Together we can make a difference.

Kathy Bennett, on behalf of BCCAOA Task Force
Associate Director
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
24-Hour Victim Support Hotline 1.800.675.6900

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

Bucks County District Attorney’s Office
Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA)
Bucks County Area Agency on Aging
A Woman’s Place
Bucks County Consumer Protection
Bucks County Registrar of Wills
The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office of the Inspector General, Office of Investigations
Legal Aid of Southeastern PA
Various Bucks County law enforcement organizations
Various Bucks County elder service organizations