COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – Tuesday is World Elder Abuse Day and the Branch-Hillsdale-St. Joseph Community Health Agency wants to remind residents about the importance of reporting suspected elder abuse.
Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation.
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 it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities.
Director of the Area Agency on Aging Laura Sutter says, “This area is fortunate to have resources to support elders in our community, including our Services to Victims of Elder Abuse (SVEA) Program. Our Victim Specialists serve elders and dependent adults who have experienced abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Caring, person-centered staff offer support and services such as personal and criminal advocacy, referrals to community organizations, emergency financial assistance, housing supports, and much more.”
If you have been a victim, or for additional information on the resources available in our area, contact Area Agency on Aging Region 3C for Branch and St. Joseph counties at 517-278-2538 or Area Agency on Aging Region 2 in Hillsdale county at 517-592-1974.
If you wish to report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation contact Michigan’s Centralized Intake toll free anytime day or night at (855) 444-3911.
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