The National Crime Prevention Council Announces Efforts To Support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 13, 2014

The National Crime Prevention Council (NCPC) announced its support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2014.  With more than five million cases of elder abuse reported since 2010 and $2.9 billion lost as a result of theft or financial fraud committed against the elderly, NCPC has made it a priority to prevent crimes against seniors.

NCPC has joined forces with National Center on Elder Abuse and Administration for Community Living to make World Elder Abuse Awareness Day a time for senior citizens, their family members, others who care for them, and all members of our communities to take action to protect this vulnerable population.

“Making sure our seniors are safe from elder abuse isn’t only a family, caregiver, or a law enforcement responsibility. It is not only a community responsibility, it’s a global responsibility,” said Ann M. Harkins, NCPC President and CEO.

According to The World Health Organization, elder abuse is expected to rise as a global and social issue.  The United Nations predicts the number of people 60 years and older will reach approximately 1.2 billion by the year 2025. To help combat this world problem, NCPC launched a “Crimes Against Seniors” campaign to increase awareness about the symptoms, signs, and impact of elder abuse and financial fraud.

Recently, NCPC held a virtual conference “Safety in the Golden Years” (April 2014) to bring together experts from across the country to share strategies and best practices for preventing elder abuse and financial fraud against older Americans.  The conference is still available online through July 10, 2014, so you still have time to raise awareness about the extent of the problem and learn about the importance of taking collaborative actions in your local communities.

To learn how to become part of the World Elder Abuse Day movement, visit the National Center on Elder Abuse and Administration for Community Living web page.  For more information about NCPC’s campaign to prevent crimes against seniors, please access the website at www.ncpc.org/seniors.