Sussex County takes part in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Georgetown will host Sussex County’s observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with the focus on preventing abuse and financial exploitation of older adults.

Members of the Attorney General’s Senior Protection Initiative are joining law enforcement and other agencies in trying to highlight resources available to victims of elder abuse and their families. “It’s a sad reality that for every case of senior abuse that is reported to authorities, five more cases go unreported,” Attorney General Beau Biden said. “We’re confronting this epidemic by shining a light on these terrible crimes and responding aggressively against perpetrators. We’re also raising awareness so that Delawareans of all ages can recognize these crimes and stand up for seniors.”

The program is being held at 1:30 p.m. at CHEER Community Center, 20520 Sand Hill Road in Georgetown. A documentary film and the winning entries of the Senior Protection Initiative’s high school YouTube video contest will be screened. Biden and a representative of the U.S. Postal Service will also speak about abuse and financial fraud crimes affecting the elderly.

Anyone who suspects that a senior citizen is a victim of neglect, physical abuse or financial exploitation may call the Delaware Adult Protective Services hotline at 800-223-9074.