State Sen. Maria Collett (D. - Montgomery/Bucks) joined Attorney General Josh Shapiro Wednesday
in a public-service video to call attention to World Elder Abuse Awareness Day June 15.
View the video here.
"As one of the Chairs of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I was shocked to learn that nearly 1 in 10 older Americans have experienced some form of elder abuse,” said Collett. "Every Pennsylvanian deserves to age with dignity."
"Elder abuse comes in many forms,” said Shapiro. "It can be physical or emotional abuse, self-neglect or caregiver neglect. All can be serious, and all should be reported. Our office is ready and standing by to investigate and take on anyone who goes after our elderly citizens.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 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. It was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011.
The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote better understanding by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.
Anyone can report elder abuse by contacting the Attorney General’s toll-free helpline at (866) 623-2137,
submitting a Senior Protection Complaint form, or by calling the Pennsylvania Elder Abuse 24-Hour Hotline at (800) 490-8505. All calls are free and confidential.
