Olympia – The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions (DFI) is committed to informing Washington residents on consumer protection issues, including elder abuse. Leading up to tomorrow’s recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, DFI outreach staff has been working with Consumer Protection Washington members (www.dfi.wa.gov/cpw), actively reaching out to senior centers throughout the state, sharing information with seniors on how to avoid financial fraud, telephone and internet scams and more.
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our country’s commitment to the principle of justice for all.
“It’s imperative we protect and support our elders,” DFI Director Charlie Clark said. “Washington’s DFI – along with many other Washington State agencies and coalitions - is committed to ensuring elder abuse is not tolerated, is reported, and those perpetrating such heinous crimes are punished.”
Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: 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.
In addition to being a clear violation of the American commitment to justice for all, elder abuse is an issue with many consequences for our society. Its effects on our communities range from public health to economic issues.
The good news is we can prevent and address the issue of elder abuse. Washington State’s Vulnerable Adult Protection Act provides a number of protections for our state’s elders, including clear definitions of financial exploitation and training and reporting requirements for financial professionals.
In addition to in-person outreach, DFI provides Elder Fraud Prevention tips and links.
“If you see signs of elder abuse, financial or otherwise, please report it,” Clark said. “Given the importance of elders to our