World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

ZANESVILLE, Oh – Ohioans are asked to wear purple today in support of ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.’

Millions of older persons are abused, neglected, and exploited everyday and June 15th was created to make communities aware of the problem.

“The difference between child abuse and elder abuse is a child doesn’t know that abuse is happening, where a senior is probably aware that they are being abused in some form of nature. They simply don’t want to rock the boat, they have fear of being cared for and as they age and need more assistance,” said Ann Combs, Executive Director, Muskingum County Center for Seniors.

Older Americans can be abused in three forms Physical Abuse, Emotional or Verbal and last Financial Abuse. Combs said financial abuse is the highest reported forms of abuse for older Americans.

“1 in 10 of citizens over the age of 60 have experienced some form of elder abuse and we’re seeing those numbers rise as the aging population increases. It’s completely preventable we just need to make our community aware of it,” said Combs.

If you notice a senior in immediate danger call 9-1-1.