Pennsylvania Department of Aging Seeks Public's Help in Curbing Elder Abuse

Capitol Event Recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day  

HARRISBURG, Pa., June 15, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Secretary of Aging Brian Duke today urged all Pennsylvanians to help protect older adults from abuse, saying reports of such cases continue to rise.

"If you become a victim of elder abuse, we are here to help," Duke said during an event at the state Capitol to recognize Elder Abuse Awareness Day. "From 2009 to 2010, more than 15,000 cases were reported to us and investigated. We determined 3,900 people were in need of protective services. Sadly, the numbers continue to grow."

Many of the reports involved neglect, financial exploitation and emotional abuse.

Lt. Governor Jim Cawley presented a proclamation on behalf of Governor Tom Corbett to Bill Ryan, vice chair of the Pennsylvania Council on Aging, declaring June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Pennsylvania.

"Older Pennsylvanians should never be victims of abuse," said Cawley. "Through the efforts of the Department of Aging, the Area Agencies on Aging and community partners, they are protected from abuse through the Older Adult Protective Services Program."

Anyone who believes an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited or abandoned can contact the Department of Aging's elder abuse hotline at 1-800-490-8505.  All calls are confidential. Pennsylvanians can also contact their local Area Agency on Aging, listed in the government section of local phone directories.  

The Department of Aging partners with Temple University's Department of Aging Institute to provide supportive training resources and expert consultation to the AAAs, law enforcement and prosecutors. Additionally, Elder Abuse Task Forces have been established throughout the state to provide a credible link between protective service providers and law enforcement.

For more information on Elder Abuse or the PA Department on Aging, visit

http://www.aging.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/abuse_or_crime/17992.

Media Contact: Christina Reese, 717-783-1549

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Aging