Milwaukee County to Host Walk at Washington Park in Honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Milwaukee—Milwaukee County’s Disabilities Services Division (DSD) will host a walk at Washington Park on Monday, June 7, 2021 at 10:30 AM to generate awareness of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Milwaukee County Executive David Crowley will be present along with County employees and members of the public to walk the route through Washington Park which will be lined with more than 1,000 purple pinwheels. The walk will step off at 10:30 AM in the Senior Center parking lot, located at 4420 W. Vliet Street.

The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

“I encourage anyone who has older adults in their lives to join us for the walk to increase awareness of elder abuse,” said Shakita LaGrant-McClain, Director, Department of Health and Human Services. “County Executive Crowley and I will participate in the walk alongside our dedicated team and anyone who wants to walk. We will be communicating a clear message, help is available if you are concerned about the well-being of someone 60 years or older.”

Additionally, Milwaukee County is partnering with UWM’s Helen Bader School of Social Welfare on an Elder Abuse webinar, “Elder Abuse in the Context of COVID-19: Recent Trends and Recommendations for Response.” The webinar will be held Thursday, June 10, 2021, from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. Click here to register.

And, finally, look for the Hoan Bridge to be lit up in purple in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

“The goal is to increase awareness of elder abuse to protect older adults in our community. We want to ensure our older adults are able to live safe and healthy lives,” said Marietta Luster, Administrator, Disabilities Services Division. “The events we have planned are meant to inform and educate, as well as encourage people to advocate for loved ones, friends, and neighbors.”

Elder abuse is a serious issue facing our community. In 2020, there were nearly 2,000 cases of elder abuse investigated by Milwaukee County. If someone is concerned about the safety of an older adult in Milwaukee County, they can complete an online Elder Abuse Referral Form here and the information will be reviewed by staff and an investigator will contact the referring individual if additional information is needed.

NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.