Community members participate in walk for elder abuse awareness

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- It was a nice morning for a walk through Washington Park in Milwaukee. 

That's what County Executive David Crowley and a group of people did near the senior center at the park.

The walk was to let us know that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is coming up on June 15.

Last year, the county's Adult Protective Services Division responded to almost 2,000 cases of elder abuse.

"We just want to continue to raise awareness because this is an issue," said Crowley. "And knowing that we have 185,000 adults over the age of 60, we need to make sure they are protected."

Experts say the abuse of seniors can take many different forms -- financial, emotional of physical.

Social isolation, financial or emotional stress and dementia can make a senior vulnerable to abuse.