Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is spreading the word about elder abuse with a series of billboards throughout Hampton Roads.
Throughout September, the nonprofit organization is deploying 14 billboards for a public awareness campaign reflecting the use of the three R’s to detect elder abuse and neglect: recognize, respond and refer. The signs include images of seniors with messages such as:
“Have You Checked on Grandpa Lately?”
“Elder Abuse Doesn’t Always Leave Bruises”
“Protecting Seniors Starts With You”
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia’s awareness campaign to stop elder abuse features 14 billboards throughout Hampton Roads calling attention to the issue. (Illustration courtesy of Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia)
The $35,000 billboards, by advertising companies Adams Outdoor and Lamar, are part of $100,000 in federal funding awarded by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, said Jane Constantineau, Senior Services marketing director. The majority of the grant funding is being used to train local Adult Protective Services employees and other service providers, though funds can also help with direct support for seniors experiencing abuse or neglect.
Approximately 1 in 10 Americans age 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. But only 1 in 24 cases are ever brought to light.
Senior Services Chief Operating Officer Charnitta Waters said in a news release that elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are often overlooked or misunderstood.
“Through this campaign, we want families, neighbors, and community members to know the signs and take action,” she said. “Protecting older adults is a responsibility we all share.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
