South Valley Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Month

June was World Elder Abuse Awareness Month and observances were held in both Tulare and Kings Counties.

To remember seniors who reported some form of abuse in 2025, Tulare County HHSA and county officials planted purple flags on the lawn at Tulare County Government Plaza in Visalia.

On June 2, both the Tulare and Kings County Board of Supervisors adopted resolutions proclaiming June 2026 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month in their respective counties.

On June 12 in Armona and June 17 in Corcoran, the Kings County Commission on Aging Council hosted World Elder Abuse Awareness Events featuring food, prizes, music, informational booths and entertainment.

"Elder abuse can by physical, emotional, and financial exploitation," said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. "Abuse can also be in the form of isolation or neglect. It is estimated that one in ten, or 10% of seniors, are victims of some sort of abuse."

In 2025, the TCDA's Office filed 23 felony and 18 misdemeanor counts of elder abuse, while the KCDA's Office filed 17 counts.

"According to CalPERS, in California alone, more than 200,000 reports of elder and dependent adult abuse are made annually," Ward said. "Many more cases never come to light."

"As our senior population continues to grow, so does the need for awareness, protection, and access to legal resources," said TCDA Supervising Victim Advocate Nicole Burnham.

Help is available by calling (559) 636-5471 in Tulare County, or (559) 852-4000 in Kings County.