For Immediate Release:
June 14, 2019

County supports World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

FREEHOLD, NJ – To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders is seeking to bring attention to older County residents and countless older adults who experience elder abuse, financial exploitation and neglect.

“Elder abuse is a societal issue and that is certainly growing as the world population begins to age,” said Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, liaison to the Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is so important to note that the various forms of emotional, financial, physical and psychological abuse are violations of older peoples’ human rights.”

The New Jersey Office of the Attorney General, Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor and New Jersey Elder Protection Task Force recently collaborated together to host the WEAAD Conference where the goal was to build and establish strong support for elders in the State.

“The State and the County’s Division of Consumer Affairs works tirelessly not only to investigate and mediate complaints, but also to educate consumers of all ages to be watchful of unscrupulous practices,” said Freeholder Burry. “On behalf of the Board of Chosen Freeholders, I would like to alert the public that the elderly are prime victims of financial abuse in our County, State and beyond. Elder financial abuse is tough to combat, in part because it often goes unreported.”

According to the United Nations, WEAAD was launched on June 15, 2006 to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of the elderly. WEAAD is a call-to-action for society’s individuals, organizations and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address and prevent abuse.

For more information about the Division of Consumer Affairs, go to www.VisitMonmouth.com, call 732-431-7900 or email ConsumerAffairs@co.monmouth.nj.us. The office is open weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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