World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to be Observed Locally

June is World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and observances will be held in both Tulare and Kings Counties.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Each year, an estimated five million older persons in the United States are abused, neglected or exploited. In addition, seniors throughout the country lose an estimated $2.6 billion annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food and medical care.

In 2024, Tulare County prosecutors filed 24 felony cases and 14 misdemeanor cases of elder abuse, which is a decrease in cases in both categories from 2023. Meanwhile, victim advocates with the Tulare County District Attorney Office served hundreds of victims at various stages of the criminal justice process.

This effort is partially funded through a U.S. Department of Justice Victims of Crime Act elder abuse grant issued through the Governor's Office of Emergency Services. The $247,500 grant runs through 2025.

The grant funds two victim advocates, public awareness announcements, resource folders to give to victims, brochures, outreach materials, and advocate training.

"We are once again grateful to receive this important funding to serve Tulare County's senior community" said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. "Through local partnerships and the tireless efforts of TCDA victim advocates, we can make sure seniors avoid becoming victims in the first place through education and outreach."

To honor seniors who reported some form of abuse in 2024, Tulare County HHSA will be planting purple flags on the lawn at Tulare County Government Plaza on Mooney Boulevard in Visalia.

The purple flags will fly at Government Plaza for the entire month of June. The color purple is associated with royalty, dignity and respect – words often used to describe seniors. Community members are encouraged to wear purple in support of prevention of elder abuse and neglect.

Kings County Cases

Kings County Adult Protective Service received 204 elder abuse referrals and served 77 victims in 2024. This is a major increase from 2023 when there were 29 reported victims of elder abuse.

In June, the Kings County Board of Supervisors will be asked to adopt a resolution to declare June elder abuse prevention month.

"Elder abuse awareness is essential to protecting the dignity, safety, and well-being of older adults," said Kings County District Attorney Sarah Hacker. It involves recognizing the signs of physical, emotional, financial or neglectful mistreatment and taking action to prevent and report it.

"Victims and witnesses are encouraged to report elder abuse to help law enforcement intervene and put an end to the mistreatment," she continued. "Elder abuse is a serious offense and it occurs here in Kings County. We have had cases where elders have suffered at the hands of their care takers and family members – the people closest to them.

"It is the goal of the Kings County District Attorney's Office to unite with elders and community organizations in solidarity for our elder's safety," Hacker added.

Kings County provides resources for elder abuse victims through its Adult Protective Services (search for "elder abuse" at http://www.countyofkingsca.gov) and the Kings County Action Organization (www.kcao.org/elder-abuse).

To report suspected elder abuse in Kings County, call (559) 852-4000.

On Friday, June 13, the Kings County Commission on Aging Council will host a World Elder Abuse Awareness Event featuring food, prizes, music, live performances and informational booths, at the Senior Center in Armona.

For more information about elder abuse, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at http://www.ncea.acl.gov.

If you suspect elder abuse, you can contact law enforcement or call the County Adult Protective Services toll-free, 24-hour-a-day hotline at 1-877-657-3092 to report confidentially," said Ward.

In case of an emergency, always call 911.