Thrive Alliance Commits to Justice on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) This June 15th

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE—June 10, 2020
CONTACT: Sue Lamborn, 812.372.6918 slamborn@thrive- alliance.org

Columbus, IN—Thrive Alliance is commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by offering a presentation conducted by Tonya Harden with Adult Protective Services. She will lead a virtual presentation, which will help increase awareness of Elder Abuse in our communities and what we can do to help.

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all.

When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct community resources toward addressing elder abuse. Our country must reaffirm our commitment to justice and create a sturdy structure of support that will benefit us all as we get older.

Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated one (1) in ten (10) older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. In addition, that is only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report

Research suggests that as few as one (1) in fourteen (14) cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.

In addition to being a clear violation of the American commitment to justice for all, elder abuse is an issue with many consequences for our society. Its effects on our communities range from public health to economic issues. The good news is that we can prevent and address the issue of elder abuse. There are many ways to strengthen our social supports through policies, services, and programs that keep us integrated in our communities as we age.

• We can design and equip community centers to work as intergenerational spaces that allow older people to build relationships and participate in the work, play, and life of our
• We can think about the role of transportation in reducing social isolation and, adjust systems so that we can all continue to move throughout our communities as we age.
• We can figure out new and better ways to arrange and coordinate the teams, agencies, and programs that work specifically with older
• We can develop programs to educate families and professionals who work with older adults to understand the importance of preventing isolation, how to spot the warning signs of abuse, and what to do to address abuse or neglect.

By doing all that we can strengthen the social support structure, we can reduce social isolation, protect communities and families against elder abuse, and build a nation that lives up to our promise of justice for all.

Please register to attend this virtual event at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/107092179592 or email us at contact@thrive- alliance.org

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Thrive Alliance serves the residents of Bartholomew, Brown, Decatur, Jackson, and Jennings counties. Our services focus on helping older adults and individuals with disabilities remain safe and independent in their own homes for as long as possible. Our services also include providing safe and affordable housing for low-income individuals and families.

Thrive Alliance 1531 13th St.
Columbus, IN 47201 www.thrive-alliance.or

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