Onslow County proclaims June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month; Social Services outlines local outreach

The Onslow County Board of Commissioners on June 2, 2025, proclaimed June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month and heard remarks from Department of Social Services staff about local efforts to protect older adults.

County Manager David Smitherman read the proclamation recognizing the role of the community in preventing elder abuse and urging residents to learn the signs of abuse and neglect. Vice Chairman Robin Knapp, who presented the proclamation, spoke from personal experience in law enforcement and said elder abuse is “one of the worst things in the world.”

Jeffrey Brown, deputy director of the Onslow County Department of Social Services, told the board the county’s adult protective services team conducts “heroic work day in and day out” and reported that the department assessed about 700 reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults in the current fiscal year. Brown cited demographic trends and noted an AARP projection that by 2031 North Carolina will have more residents aged 65 and older than those under 18.

Brown invited the public to a county World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event on June 26 at the Onslow County Government Center, with Senator Lozaro as the keynote speaker and a screening and discussion by the Clowdr Group documentary team.

Why it matters: The proclamation highlights rising local demand for adult protective services and directs county attention to elder‑focused outreach and awareness activities.

What the proclamation and staff said - The proclamation calls on citizens to recognize June 2025 as Elder Abuse Awareness Month, learn the signs of elder abuse, and support vulnerable adults. - Onslow County Department of Social Services reported approximately 700 investigated or assessed reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of vulnerable adults in the current fiscal year (figure presented by staff during the meeting). - The department will mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 26 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the government center with vendors, a documentary screening and a keynote address by Senator Lozaro.

Quotes Vice Chairman Robin Knapp: “One of the worst things in the world is elder abuse.” Jeffrey Brown, deputy director, Department of Social Services: “This amazing team behind me is the adult protective services team of Onslow County. They do absolutely heroic work day in and day out.”

Meeting context and next steps The proclamation was presented during the meeting’s presentations section. Social Services used the occasion to publicize education and outreach events and to underscore the county’s workload in adult protective services. The board did not take separate formal action beyond presenting the proclamation.

Ending: County Social Services encouraged residents to report suspected abuse, neglect or exploitation to the local department of social services and attend the June 26 awareness event.