Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This day is set aside to recognize the serious problem of the physical and emotional abuse, and financial victimization, of our most vulnerable adult citizens.

The Cobb County Board of Commissioners recognized WEAAD by presenting a proclamation to the Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force at the commission meeting on Tuesday.  The Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force was formed in 2010 by the Cobb County Neighborhood Safety Commission.  The CEATF website states,  “We are a multi-jurisdictional organization that addresses financial, physical/emotional and institutional abuse of seniors. In addition, we provide education and awareness training for service providers, law enforcement and community organizations. ”

L-R Spencer Miller, Cobb County Fire & Emergency Services, Christine Rozman, Certified Senior Advisor, Joe Gavalis, Retired Federal Agent, Jessica Gill, Cobb Senior Services Director, Commissioner Bob Weatherford — photo by Larry Felton Johnson

 The proclamation, presented to members of CEATF by District 1 Commissioner Bob Weatherford, reads as follows:

PURPOSE

To present a proclamation to Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force members designating June 15, 2017 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Cobb County.

BACKGROUND

Each year an estimated 5 million, or 1 in 10, older American’s are victims of elder abuse, neglect or exploitation. Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23.5 cases go unreported. In addition, elders throughout the United States lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due elder financial abuse which are funds that could have been used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.

The Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force (CEATF) was created in 2010 by the Cobb County Neighborhood Safety Commission. The task force is a multi-jurisdictional organization that addresses financial, physical, emotional, sexual and institutional abuse of seniors. In addition it provides elder abuse training to our community, health care and elder service providers.

On June 15, 2017 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) will be acknowledged for the 11th year by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Celebrating WEAAD in local communities like Cobb County brings a better understanding of all forms of elder abuse and elder services.

RECOMMENDATION

The Board of Commissioners present a proclamation to Cobb Elder Abuse Task Force members designating June 15, 2017 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Cobb County.

Here is a short video PSA produced by Cobb County for WEAAD.