June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day of awareness began on June 15, 2006 when the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations decided to highlight the fact that elder abuse is a public health and human rights issue.
SeniorLAW Center has sought to combat elder abuse since 1978. Elder abuse is one of the most severe, devastating and insidious crimes facing our communities and country. It is a national health and victim services crisis. Victims of elder abuse are three times more likely to die prematurely. Nearly 60% of elder abuse cases involve a perpetrator who is a family member, 2/3 of whom are adult children or spouses. Those with the lowest income have the highest incidence of abuse: those living on less than $10,000 experience 47.9% of financial abuse; income levels less than $15,000 account for 77.7% of senior financial abuse. Our services directly address the distress, special dynamics, access and mobility challenges, and unique needs of elderly victims of crime.
We seek justice for older people by using the power of the law, educating the community and advocating on local, state, and national levels. We enthusiastically join in the efforts to bring this issue to light on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and every day.
WEADD EVENTS 2022
Bucks County – Special Live Streaming Senior EXPO in Honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – TBA
Since opening our Bucks County office, SeniorLAW Center has worked closely with the Bucks County Crimes Against Older Adults Task Force. The task force utilizes a multi-disciplinary approach to review, investigate, prosecute, and prevent crimes against older adults. We convene regularly to review current criminal cases and discuss new investigations of abuse. We work with local law enforcement and other organizations who advocate for the protection and rights of the older adults of Bucks County.
As a way to combat the isolation older adults experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic, SeniorLAW Center also joined the Bucks County Area Agency on Aging, the Bucks County Consumer Protection Department, and the Bucks County District Attorney’s Office to produce a virtual Senior Expo.
Since June 2020, we have presented virtual, live streaming, and in-person versions of this Expo. We planned a special live streaming and updated Senior Expo June 15th. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, we must reschedule this event. Look for details soon right here on our website!
Montgomery County Elder Access to Justice Roundtable Annual WEAAD Conference
June 17, 2022, The Inn at Villanova and Live on Zoom
The Montgomery County Elder Access to Justice Roundtable presents the “Oops! I Did It Again: Exploring Guardianship Alternatives” conference on Friday, June 17 at the Inn at Villanova and virtually through Zoom. The conference features Karen C. Buck, Executive Director, SeniorLAW Center as part of a panel discussing the four main areas that will be covered more in depth in breakout sessions: mediation, restorative justice, supported decision-making and community supports, and alternatives to guardianship. Attorney Valerie Snow will present during the breakout on supported decision-making. Dana Goldberg presents on legal alternatives to guardianship.
For more information: /2022/06/slc-montco-guardianship/
Chester County Sheriff’s Office, SeniorLAW Center and Local Senior Centers Hold Senior Fraud Prevention Workshops
To help prevent senior fraud, the Chester County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO) is collaborating with the SeniorLAW Center, Chester County office and local senior centers to present workshops entitled “Senior Fraud: Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones.”
On June 8, participants at the West Chester Senior Center heard about different types of scams, who is affected, signs to look for and who to call if you suspect you are being targeted. The hour long program will run again on June 14, 10:30 a.m. at Brandywine Valley Active Aging (BVAA) Downingtown Senior Center and June 21, 10:30 a.m. online and at BVAA Coatesville Senior Center.
For more information: https://patch.com/pennsylvania/westchester/chesco-workshop-senior-fraud-protect-your-loved-ones
If you see or suspect abuse, you can make a report to the Elder Abuse hotline, available 24 hours a day, at 1-800-490-8505. Calls can also be made to your local area agency on aging, which can be found here resources/Pages/AAA.aspx). If someone is in imminent danger, call 911.