From The Trussville Tribune staff reports
MONTGOMERY — World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be observed in Alabama on June 15, 2019.
Governor Kay Ivey signed a proclamation stating that the Alabama Department of Senior Services is committed to promoting the independence and dignity of older adults.
According to the Alabama Department of Human Resources, thousands of elderly individuals and disabled adults have been and are being abused, neglected and exploited in Alabama every year.
DHR is responsible for investigating reports of abuse, neglect and exploitation regarding the elderly and disabled adults. In FY 2018, the DHR investigated 10,780 reports of suspected abuse, neglect and exploitation of vulnerable adults statewide, which included elderly individuals and disabled adults.
The national theme for this year’s observance is “Lifting up Voices.” The nationally recognized color to represent elder abuse awareness is purple. Alabama DHR is asking each community member to please wear purple throughout the month of June.
Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-458-7214