SANDWICH – The Yarmouth Senior Center and the Cape Cod Elder Abuse Coalition sponsored a program on Thursday to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The keynote speaker of the event was Mary Freeley from state Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office.
There was also a number of guest speakers on topics that included protective elder services and legal aspects of elder abuse as well as neighborhood advocate and information tables from local organizations that work with seniors.
“It’s under-recognized, misunderstood,” said Chris Morin, the director of prevention education outreach at Independence House. “Elder abuse is the same abuse at any age. It’s about power control.”
Groups including Independence House and members of the Cape and Islands District Attorney’s Office participated in the event.
“This is a very real problem and you’re not alone,” said Linda Colby, a licensed social worker at the Yarmouth Senior Center. “If there’s someone that feels that they are being taken advantage of, you certainly aren’t alone, and there are avenues for help.”
By JUSTIN SAUNDERS, CapeCod.com Newscenter