Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris and Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom are today releasing a joint statement in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and elder exploitation.
Statement from the Department of Children and Families
“Each day, the Department serves older adults who are victims of abuse, exploitation, and neglect through our Adult Protective Services’ program,” said Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary Shevaun Harris. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting and protecting our seniors. Older adults are the mothers, fathers and citizens who have built our society and spent a lifetime sharing their knowledge and wisdom. Our agency stands committed to safeguarding their right to a safe and dignified life.”
Statement from the Department of Elder Affairs
“Florida’s 5.5 million older adults are a vital and important part of every community,” said Florida Department of Elder Affairs Secretary Richard Prudom. “Older adults are leaders, mentors, and volunteers and they deserve to remain active members of the state without the threat of abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in June, Florida’s Aging Network has scheduled live and virtual events throughout the month to empower Florida’s older population.”
For a list of regional WEADD events click here. To learn more about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, please visit: NCEA – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (acl.gov)
Learn the signs of adult abuse. If you know or have reasonable cause to suspect that an older adult is being abused, neglected, exploited, please report your concerns to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873.
