San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News Center

Elder abuse can affect anyone, but everyone can be part of the solution. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed on June 15 and highlights the importance of building strong support for elders. It aims to bring people together to identify, address, and prevent abuse. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as one in ten older adults living at home have experienced abuse, including neglect.

Locally, County Adult Protective Services processed more than 24,000 reports of elder abuse in fiscal year 2022-2023, marking a 19% increase over the previous year. The number of reports this fiscal year, which ends this month, is also trending upward and expected to rise by 17% over last year.

Social isolation and loneliness can make older adults more vulnerable to abuse. Those most at risk can include minorities such as immigrants and members of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as older adults who have been victims of mistreatment.

Some individuals experiencing elder abuse may be reluctant to report it for various reasons. These include feeling embarrassed or somehow to blame, worrying about getting the perpetrator in trouble, or being unaware that what they are experiencing constitutes abuse or neglect.

If you know or believe an older adult is experiencing abuse, report it to County Adult Protective Services by calling 800-339-4661. If a life-threatening situation is occurring, call 9-1-1.

On Saturday, the County will light the County Administration Center building purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

For further information:

County Communications Office

communications@sdcounty.ca.gov

619-595-4633

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