ROCKINGHAM — The Richmond County Department of Social Services will be walking next week to bring awareness to abuse of the elderly.
The “Walk Your Way” event is scheduled for 9-10 a.m. Wednesday, June 8 — seven days prior to World Elder Abuse Day.
According to the National Center on Elder Abuse, one in 10 community-dwelling older adults are the victims of some form of abuse.
The types of abuse range from physical and psychological to neglect and being taken advantage of financially. Studies tend to show that psychological abuse is the most prevalent both in the community and in institutions.
The National Council on Aging cites studies showing that 60% of cases involving abuse or neglect are perpetrated by family members and that only one in 24 cases are reported.
According to a proclamation signed by Gov. Roy Cooper in 2018, the previous fiscal year saw more than 27,000 cases of abuse, neglect and exploitation across the state.
Free T-shirts will be available for participants while supplies last and there is no cost to walk. Costs for the event are being covered by Elder Abuse Prevention funds, according to a flier.
Those who can’t make it to the mile-long course are encouraged to walk on their own and post their photos to social media using the hashtag #takingastandelderabuse.
In addition to DSS, the event is sponsored by Richmond County Aging Services and the Lumber River Area Agency on Aging Long Term Care Ombudsman Program.
For more information, call Aging Services Director Jacqueline Welch at 910-410-1132 or DSS Adult Services Supervisor Karen Steen at 910-997-8414.
