June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) and Old Colony Elder Services (OCES) invites the public to participate in their virtual event to raise awareness of elder abuse.
In previous years, OCES raised awareness of elder abuse by holding “March Against Elder Abuse” events in Brockton and Plymouth. This year, beginning June 15th and through the end of the month, OCES will raise awareness of elder abuse by holding a virtual WEAAD event.
The theme for WEAAD 2020 is “Lifting Up Voices”.
How it Works
To participate in OCES’ virtual event, simply take a photograph of yourself holding up a sign explaining how you are helping in the community by being a voice to help prevent and/or raise awareness about elder abuse. Some examples of helping in the community include: checking on neighbors, listening to older adults, and reporting concerns.
Then, upload your picture to OCES’ WEAAD event page, https://www.facebook.com/events/602292773713778/ or follow OCES @OCESMA on Facebook for more information.
Use the hashtags #ElderAbuse #LiftingUpVoices #WEAAD when posting your pictures.
“OCES’ call-to-action is for organizations, communities and individuals to lift up their voices – and raise awareness about elder abuse,” explained Teresa Kourtz, LSW, MSG, Protective Services Director at OCES. “Even with social distancing, we can still work together, to collaborate and build awareness to this important issue.”
To learn more about WEAAD, visit https://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/weaad-home/
See Something, Say Something
OCES encourages anyone witnessing elder abuse to report it. Be proactive and be a part of the solution to help end elder abuse.
Recognizing Elder Abuse
Elder abuse includes financial exploitation, emotional, physical, sexual abuse, neglect or self neglect. Common risk factors are social isolation, poor physical health and dementia. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Community Living, an estimated five million older adults are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation every year. One in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse.
OCES Protective Services Program staff works with older adults or their designees to prevent, eliminate or remedy situations involving emotional, physical or sexual abuse, neglect by a caregiver, financial exploitation and/or self–neglect. When there is a report made to the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline), and the elder resides in our catchment area, OCES will receive the report and determine if further investigation is necessary by a Protective Services Worker.
If you have concerns contact your local Protective Services Agency. If you are looking to file a report on elder abuse, contact the Centralized Intake Unit (Elder Abuse Hotline) at 1-800-922-2275. If you ‘See Something, Say Something, please report.
About OCES
Founded in 1974, OCES proudly serves greater Plymouth County and surrounding communities. OCES is a private, non-profit organization headquartered in Brockton with a second office in Plymouth. OCES is designated as one of 25 Aging Services Access Points (ASAPs) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. OCES’ mission is to support the independence and dignity of older adults and individuals with disabilities by providing essential information and services that promote healthy and safe living. The agency offers a number of programs to serve older adults, individuals with disabilities, their families and caregivers. For more information call 508-584-1561 or visit www.ocesma.org.
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