Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15

from Aging With Pride

Do you know what elder abuse is? The U.S. Department of Justice defines elder abuse as: "an intentional or negligent act by any person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to an older adult." This harm can be physical, psychological, financial, or sexual. And it includes neglect and abandonment.

June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and Aging With Pride wants to remind everyone that seniors do face abuse, even in Erie County. During the first quarter of 2025, the Greater Erie Community Action Committee reported over 900 cases referred to Older Adult Protective Service. A 2020 National Institute of Heath study found that the prevalence of elder abuse in members of the LGBTQ community is double that of the population as a whole.

If you suspect elder abuse, report it to Older Adult Protective Service:
814-459-4581, ext 205 (daytime), 814-451-1520 (evening/weekend). Or call the Pennsylvania statewide 24-hour hotline at 1-800-490-8505.