Elder Abuse the Focus on Friday

Friday, June 15, has been designated by President Obama as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

As noted in his proclamation:

Victims of elder abuse are parents and grandparents, neighbors and friends. Elder abuse cuts across race, gender, culture, and circumstance, and whether physical, emotional, or financial, it takes an unacceptable toll on individuals and families across our Nation. Seniors who experience abuse or neglect face a heightened risk of health complications and premature death, while financial exploitation can rob men and women of the security they have built over a lifetime. Tragically, many older Americans suffer in silence, burdened by fear, shame, or impairments that prevent them from speaking out about abuse.

Family Service of RI, under a contract with the Rhode Island Division of Elderly Affairs, provides an after-hours emergency response program to elders in crisis.  

And Jen Etue, who heads the program, will be part of a team at NBC 10 on Friday taking calls from the public on elder abuse between 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Thank you to our friends at NBC 10 for this important public service!

--Stephen L. Hug