For More Information Contact:
Catherine F. Durland, (845) 486-2103
The Dutchess County Legislature announces June 15th as the 2012 Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Dutchess County. Citizens, businesses, public and private agencies, media, and religious and educational institutions within the county are called upon to actively participate in community efforts to secure the safety and well-being of our senior citizens.
Chairman Robert Rolison (R-Poughkeepsie) stated, “The Dutchess County Legislature and the residents of Dutchess County value the senior members of our community and will work together to ensure that they live in a safe and well cared for environment. Marking Elder Abuse Day provides the opportunity for our communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic issues impacting elder abuse and neglect.”
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was first instituted by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), which has led the way in raising awareness and urging NGO’s, grassroots organizations and the government to take action to educate private and public agencies to protect elders from abuse and neglect and to preserve the quality of their lives.
On Friday, June 15, 2012 beginning at 9 AM, the Coalition on Elder Abuse in Dutchess County, under the auspices of the Mediation Center of Dutchess County, Inc., will host a program “There’s No Excuse for Elder Abuse: Joining Forces & Creating Partnerships” at Cornell Cooperative Extension - The Farm and Home Center located at 2715 Route 44, Millbrook. The program will focus on increasing community awareness by describing the general dynamics of elder abuse and honor Rochelle McDonough, NYS Police Crime Victims Specialist, with the “Champion for Elder Rights and Safety Award.”
Legislator Gerry Hutchings (R-Beekman) stated, “Almost 10 percent of seniors in New York State suffer from some form of elder abuse. In many cases, abuse is inflicted by family members and those close to them, including care givers. Seniors are often hesitant or afraid to report instances of abuse and as the age group of over 60 years of age is expected to reach 25% this becomes even more of a pressing issue. As the liaison to the Elder Abuse Council, it is important to understand and recognize the abuse, neglect, and exploitation that many of our senior citizens face.”
