In June, the Center for Elder Law and Justice (CELJ) will join our local, statewide, and national partners to honor older adults and celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Taking place on Tuesday June 15th, WEAAD aims to cast a light on this often overlooked, underreported issue which impacts an estimated one in ten Americans over the age of 60. These older members of our society have contributed to the communities we work in today; they deserve justice, recognition, and to live in peace.
WEAAD is a day for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of persons who are older. Older victims are a unique set of Crime Victims; they may be less able to access resources, and may be less believed due to ageism, isolation, and other factors which contribute to elder abuse. Those who work with older adults should take time to learn the signs and symptoms of abuse, and how to report if they suspect someone may be in an abusive situation. What falls under “Elder Abuse” runs a wide gamut; for some, the first image that comes to mind may be a case of caregiver neglect. For others, a trusting senior falling victim to a telephone scam. Or, an elderly relative being taken financially advantage of by family members. In fact, these are all forms of abuse, neglect and exploitation. What they have in common are the risk factors; generally, isolation greatly increases the chance that an individual may fall victim to abuse. Isolation of older adults has increased significantly during the Covid-19 pandemic. That is why we encourage professionals and the public alike to reach out to support seniors in their community as restrictions are lifted, and it is safe to do so. Professionals who do not directly aid older populations can still help combat elder abuse and celebrate WEAAD. Professionals who assist families, or work in multigenerational homes, are encouraged to watch for abuse and neglect of older family members. Elder abuse is not always obvious physical abuse, it can be subtle neglect or maltreatment that adds up over time. Keeping up on local resources that aid elders is another great way to combat elder abuse. The Crime Victims Legal Network has resources specifically for elder abuse in its Legal Help Directory; we encourage you to identify these resources in your area and reach out.
For individuals in Western New York with questions or concerns about elder abuse, CELJ may be able to provide assistance. CELJ is a nonprofit law organization providing free civil legal services to older, disabled, and low-income populations. CELJ serves nine counties in Western New York and also runs a statewide Help Line that may be utilized by anyone 55 years old or older who has limited scope legal questions by calling 1-844-481-0973.
CELJ’s work with elder abuse includes community coordination and direct representation of crime victims. We partner with the Center for Resolution and Justice and Neighborhood Legal Services to provide holistic services, including civil legal assistance to victims of crime through the Crime Victims Justice Project. CELJ attorneys and paralegals assist crime victims with a variety of legal tasks, including obtaining family court orders of protection, assisting with orders of eviction, obtaining money judgments, criminal and law enforcement advocacy, and power of attorney revocations and executions. CELJ addresses each person’s unique needs, and provides a holistic approach to legal representation, taking into account mental health and social factors.
CELJ encourages everyone to join on June 15, 2021 to raise awareness of elder abuse and celebrate our older community members.