World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings renewed call to protect older adults

Erie County elected officials, community leaders join to urge action, speak out against abuse

√ During month of June, communities around world work together to promote an understanding of elder abuse as public health & human rights issue

Submitted by the Press Secretary to the Erie County Executive

Each year in June, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is commemorated in the U.S. and internationally as a day to raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year, and only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to authorities’ attention.

On Monday, Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz was joined on the steps of Old County Hall in Buffalo by Commissioner of Senior Services Randy Hoak, Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane, CEO of the Center for Elder Law and Justice Karen Nicolson, and numerous community advocates to speak out against elder abuse and highlight the county’s ongoing efforts to protect older adults from neglect, exploitation and abuse.

“Too often, elder abuse is hidden in plain sight,” Poloncarz said. “It’s financial exploitation by someone they trust, it’s neglect from caregivers, or it’s emotional abuse that leaves deep, invisible scars. Today, we are reaffirming our commitment to protect the dignity, safety and rights of every older adult in Erie County.”

In Erie County, the Department of Senior Services receives over 3,000 reports of suspected elder abuse each year, but that number is only a fraction of total cases.

“These are our parents, our grandparents, our neighbors,” Hoak said. “With the aging population growing rapidly – by 2030, one in four residents in Erie County will be over 60 – we must act now to build stronger safeguards and community networks of support.”

Keane said, “We have a dedicated team of prosecutors who are committed to protecting and obtaining justice for the most vulnerable members of our community. No one, especially our senior citizens, should be afraid or embarrassed to come forward if they have been the victim of a crime. I want older adults to know that their wellbeing is important and that their testimony is needed to stop these criminals from harming someone else. We need to look out for one another, so I encourage all Erie County residents to check on their elderly family members, friends and neighbors. Please, contact my office or our partners if you suspect that someone has been the victim of elder abuse.”

As part of the event, officials took a moment to honor the dedicated professionals of Adult Protective Services, whose work on the front lines is critical in identifying, investigating and intervening in cases of elder abuse and neglect. Often operating behind the scenes, APS caseworkers are trusted advocates who respond with urgency and compassion to protect vulnerable adults from harm.

“Their work is emotionally demanding and often goes unrecognized, but their impact is profound,” Poloncarz said. “Today, we honor their commitment to dignity, safety and justice for some of the most at-risk members of our community.”

Nicolson, whose organization provides legal support and advocacy for older adults, emphasized the importance of cross-agency collaboration: “Preventing elder abuse is not the job of one agency or system. It takes community awareness, accessible legal services, and a justice system that listens to and respects older voices. The Center for Elder Law and Justice is proud to work with Erie County in addressing this urgent issue.”

The event concluded with a symbolic gesture: Officials and attendees wore purple, the color of elder abuse awareness, as a sign of solidarity with victims and survivors.

Officials encouraged community members to report suspected elder abuse to the Erie County Adult Protective Services hotline at 716-858-6877 or to contact the Center for Elder Law and Justice for legal assistance at 716-853-3087.

For more information on elder abuse prevention programs in Erie County, visit www.erie.gov/seniorservices or www.elderjusticeny.org.