About Adult Abuse Prevention Month
Each year, thousands of older adults and individuals with a disability are mistreated by family members, by caregivers and by others responsible for their well-being. The materials below describe the signs of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation and provide information on how you can report suspicions of abuse. Organizations and individuals may use these handouts, fliers and resource materials to educate their communities about recognizing, reporting and raising public awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults and persons with disabilities.
This information is distributed through the collaborative efforts of the Virginia Department of Social Services, Virginia Coalition for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and other agencies and organizations. The materials listed below may be duplicated and distributed as needed.
In fiscal year 2012, Virginia Adult Protective Services (APS) received almost 20,000 reports of adult abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Over 9,000 of these reports were substantiated. However the 2011 report, "Under the Radar: New York State Elder Abuse Prevalence Study," indicated that for every elder abuse case reported to authorities nearly 24 cases go unreported. Please take a moment to read the Adult Abuse Prevention Month materials and find out how you can improve the safety and well-being of elderly individuals and adults with disabilities throughout the Commonwealth.
Activities & Resources
Handouts & Fliers