County Executive Klausmeier Announces Baltimore County's Observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Historic Courthouse dome to be illuminated purple June 15-21 to raise awareness and support for older adults
TOWSON — Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier today announced Baltimore County's observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), including the illumination of the Historic Courthouse dome in purple from June 15 through June 21 to raise awareness about elder abuse prevention and the resources available to protect older adults.
Observed annually on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings communities around the world together to recognize and address the abuse, neglect, exploitation, and mistreatment of older adults. This year's theme, "Beyond Awareness: Making Elder Abuse Prevention Work," encourages communities to move beyond recognition and take meaningful action to protect vulnerable adults and strengthen support systems.
County Executive Klausmeier was joined by Department of Aging staff on the steps of the Historic Courthouse to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and show support for older adults throughout Baltimore County. Participants wore purple, the international color associated with elder abuse awareness and prevention.
You can view photos from the event here.
Nearly one in four Baltimore County residents is age 60 or older, making elder safety and well-being an increasingly important community priority.
“These are not just statistics — these are our neighbors, our parents and important members of our community,” said Baltimore County Executive Kathy Klausmeier. “Lighting this dome purple is our commitment that every older adult in Baltimore County deserves to age safely and with dignity.”
“Elder abuse is one of the most underreported crises we face — and one of the most preventable,” said Heang K. Tan, Director of the Baltimore County Department of Aging. “We don’t just want people to be aware. We want them to act — to know the signs, to make the call, and to show up for the older adults in their lives.”
“Our Adult Protective Services team is ready to respond,” said Baltimore County Department of Social Services Director Mark Millspaugh. “Protecting older adults is a shared responsibility, and we urge anyone with concerns to reach out.”
How to Report Concerns
- In an emergency, call 911.
- To report suspected abuse, neglect, self-neglect, or exploitation of a vulnerable adult, contact the Baltimore County Department of Social Services Adult Protective Services Hotline at 410-887-TIME (8463). Emergency reports are investigated within 24 hours, while non-emergency reports are investigated within five days.
- For concerns involving a resident of a nursing home or assisted living facility, contact the Baltimore County Department of Aging's Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program at 410-887-4200.
You are invited to attend "Be Bold: Age with Attitude – Growing the Conversation About Elder Abuse Prevention" on Thursday, June 18, at 1 p.m. at the Sollers Point Multi-Purpose Center, 323 Sollers Point Road in Dundalk.
The event will feature a screening of the film Thelma followed by a panel discussion with elder abuse prevention experts from BC-REST (Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today). The program is free and open to the public. RSVPs are requested by calling 410-887-4200.
A free document shredding event, sponsored by AARP Maryland, will also take place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Participants may bring up to two large boxes of personal documents for shredding. Business materials will not be accepted. To register for the shredding event, call 877-926-8300.
Baltimore County's observance is supported by BC-REST, a coalition dedicated to protecting older adults through education, collaboration, and advocacy.
For additional information and resources, contact Maryland Access Point (MAP) of Baltimore County at 410-887-2594. |
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