VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — Virginia Beach leaders hope to put an end to elder abuse in the city.
“[We] hope to increase people’s awareness… and have people become more involved,” said Wendy Swallow with the Adult and Aging Division within Virginia Beach’s Department of Human Services.
It’s a step in making a difference and bringing awareness to elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation. June marks Elder Abuse Awareness Month and on Friday, Virginia Beach community members laced up their shoes for the city’s first elder abuse awareness walk at Mount Trashmore Park, just a day ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
“Trying to get the message out there to recognize and report elder abuse," she said. "It is not as reported. It is underreported compared to child protective services.”
According to a 2021 study, elder abuse impacts one in 10 older adults annually. The study reported an 84% increase in abuse since the COVID-19 pandemic. Swallow said throughout her time working for the city's Department of Human Resources, she’s noticed the number of reports increase each year.
“Over this last year, we received over 2,000 reports for investigation,” Swallow said. “The trend continues to rise and the resource, sadly, declines. So, we are faced with trying to work through credibly challenging situations with reduced resources.”
Organizers hope this walk will educate people on the available resources in the city and spot the signs of abuse.
“Perhaps their trash is piling up outside their door, their mail is not being picked up,” Swallow said. “When you see them have they lost a lot of weight? Bruising that is unexplained?”
Swallow said her team is working to increase the conversation around elder abuse in the community. She hopes this walk can assist in the effort.
If you have concerns about someone experiencing elder abuse in Virginia Beach, you can call the city’s hotline at 757-385-3550.