Elder Abuse Awareness: Human Services Hosts Expo and Walk to Support Older Adults

Elder abuse is a public health and human rights issue that affects all communities. It refers to intentional acts that cause harm to adults ages 60 and older. Elder abuse may be in the form of physical, emotional or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, abandonment or neglect. It also includes self-neglect, when an older adult is unable to meet their own needs due to physical or mental impairment.

Expo and Walk for Awareness 

In observance of Elder Abuse Awareness Day and to showcase resources for older residents, the Adult & Aging Services team within the Department of Human Services (DHS) is hosting its third annual Elder Abuse Awareness Expo & Walk, 10 a.m. to noon, Monday, June 15, at Shelter 1 at Mount Trashmore Park.  

WTKR News 3 anchor Erin Miller will serve as master of ceremonies for the event, which is free and open to the public. Organizations will host resource tables and share information about programs and services for older adults and their families and caregivers.

Those represented include several Human Services divisions and other Virginia Beach departments including Emergency Communications & Citizen Services, Fire, Housing & Neighborhood Preservation, Libraries, Police and Parks & Recreation, and community organizations such as Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia, Jewish Family Service, Samaritan House, CaptionCall and YWCA of Southampton Roads. 
 
In addition to browsing community resources, attendees may opt to join a 1.5 mile walk around the park or a chair yoga session with Certified Yoga Instructor Vanessa Abbott.

Indicators of Elder Abuse 

Human Services’ Adult & Aging team works tirelessly to ensure that older adults in Virginia Beach are safe and can enjoy a high quality of life. By helping more people become aware of the signs of elder abuse, our community can better address it, prevent it from happening and empower those who may be susceptible.

An adult potentially could be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation if he or she:  

• is prohibited from being alone with visitors
• has inadequate access to food
• is not taking medication as prescribed
• resides in hazardous conditions
• has an overly frugal caregiver

How can you help? 

To report a concern for a Virginia Beach adult who is aged 60 or older (or for an adult who is between the ages of 18-59 and incapacitated) please call Human Services’ Adult Services Intake Line at 757-385-3550.

Help spread the word and attend the Elder Abuse Awareness Expo & Walk on June 15! For more information about the event, email Ruth Brown, rutbrown@vbgov.com, 757-385-3550.  

• Adult & Aging Services
• Human Services