Older people in our communities have rights, including a right to be safe, and to be treated with dignity and respect. However, thousands of adults who have disabilities are abused, neglected, and exploited in Alabama each year.

June 15 is the day set aside to promote this year’s national theme, Finish this Sentence Campaign “We Can Build Strong Supports for Elders by………” One simple thing everyone can do on June 15 to raise awareness of elder abuse is wear the color purple. Purple is the color nationally recognized to represent elder abuse awareness.

“Because the elderly are often dependent on others for their care and may become isolated, they are primary targets for abuse, neglect, and exploitation,” said Crenshaw County Department of Human Resources (DHR) Director Kristi Maddox. “Sadly, victims are most often abused, neglected, and exploited by individuals who are known and trusted by the elderly person,” added Ms. Maddox. “Our community partners can help by reporting suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation and by assisting DHR in arranging services to protect those individuals who cannot protect themselves. They are essential to assisting DHR in ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the elderly.”

DHR is responsible for the investigation of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. In Fiscal Year 2016, DHR investigated more than 9,000 reports of suspected abuse, neglect, and exploitation of vulnerable adults statewide, which included elderly persons.

Please help us protect our vulnerable citizens who have contributed so much to our community. If you suspect mistreatment of an elderly person or an adult who has disabilities, please call Crenshaw County DHR at 335-7000.

Reports may be made toll free to Adult Abuse Hotline 1-800-458-7214. Reports may also be made online at aps.dhr.alabama.gov, or to your local County Department of Human Resources. All reports are confidential and may be made anonymously.