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Somerset County proclaims June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Summary
The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners read and proclaimed June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day, highlighted county protective services and said staff will distribute educational materials and wear purple ribbons to raise awareness.
The Somerset County Board of County Commissioners read a proclamation declaring June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day and called for residents to recognize and report elder abuse.
The proclamation states that elder abuse can include physical or emotional abuse, neglect, violence and financial exploitation, and it calls on the public to “stand with elder abuse survivors” and work to ensure that no older person “has to live in fear, violence, abuse, or neglect.” The text cites international recognition of the day and affirms the county’s efforts to prevent abuse through Adult Protective Services and social-support programs such as senior centers, counseling and transportation services.
Board members and staff said the county will mark the day with visible outreach. Deputy Director Morano said staff will wear purple ribbons and hand out educational materials in the board and human services offices on Friday to help people identify and report suspected abuse. A board member thanked colleagues for the recognition and urged vigilance in protecting seniors.
The proclamation was presented during the regular meeting and indicated that it is signed by the county commissioners. The document encourages residents to report suspected elder abuse to the proper authorities and to use local services that support older adults’ independence.
Background in the proclamation references international efforts to recognize elder abuse as a public-health and human-rights issue and describes the county’s collaborative work with the Board of Social Services and Adult Protective Services. No formal vote on the proclamation is recorded in the available transcript; county staff described outreach activities planned for the coming days.
The board moved on after reading the proclamation to other agenda items, including a later proclamation for Pride Month and routine consent items. The county’s announcement of materials and ribbon-wearing provides an immediate, local step aimed at raising awareness and directing residents to reporting and support services.
