No Local Events to Mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Tulare County will be commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, but there will be no in-person events this year due to existing precautions as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Kings County District Attorney's Office also has no in-person events planned.

"As an office, we hope to start doing in-person bilingual awareness and educational events soon," said Nicole Burnham, Tulare County District Attorney (TCDA) elder abuse victim advocate.

"Even though we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel and a return to 'normal,' we cannot move on from physical, financial or neglectful abuse that may have happened during the very tense moments of the last year," said Tulare County District Attorney Tim Ward. "There is still time to report that abuse, and I encourage seniors, their families, or caregivers to do so."

Technology and media have been powerful tools in reaching people, and the TCDA is planning another multi-media campaign to educate seniors about abuse and how to report it.

"If you suspect elder abuse, you can contact law enforcement or call the County Adult Protective Services toll-free, 24-hour-a-day hotline at 1-877-657-3092 to report confidentially," Ward said.

Since 2020, the TCDA has filed more than 70 cases of elder abuse.

For more information about elder abuse, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse website at http://www.ncea.acl.gov

In case of an emergency, always call 911.