June is National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. While the specific forms of abuse can vary, it is widely believed that at least 1 in 10 senior adults experience some form of verbal, physical, emotional, or financial exploitation or abuse.
To help bring awareness to this often overlooked issue, the Pitt County Department of Social Services (DSS) Division of Adult Services is working with several County departments and community partners to host two special recognition events during the month of June.
On Friday, June 15, at 9:30am DSS will hold an Elder Abuse Awareness Walk at the County Offices, located at 1717 West 5th Street in Greenville. Very similar to the Child Abuse Prevention walk held in April, this event will feature DSS staff and community advocates, coming together for a one-mile walk around the County campus and greater medical district, while holding signs and banners promoting abuse awareness.
On Tuesday, June 26, at 10:00am DSS will then host a first ever “Elder Abuse Awareness Floral Float” event at the Greenville Town Common, located at 105 E 1st St, Greenville. This will be a much larger scale event, with nearly 100 community partners and government agencies invited to attend. The event will feature local experts as well as a special flower release into the Tar River (at the Esplanade), in honor of victims and those affected by elder abuse.
To learn more about the efforts of DSS staff to prevent, recognize and end elder abuse in our community, along with specific ways you can help, contact them at 252-902-1110.
