EDLA Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2022

NEW ORLEANS – Today, U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans along with the Department of Justice (DOJ) reasserts the mission of DOJ’s Elder Justice Initiative to combat elder abuse and financial exploitation, encourage reporting abuse, and educate the public to make America safer for all.

Elder Abuse can take many forms and is not always easy to recognize.  It may come in the form of the improper or illegal use of an older person’s money or property (financial exploitation, including scams); it may be physical, psychological, or sexual abuse; or it may be in the form of the intentional or unintentional failure or refusal to provide care or help to an older person. 

“Today, our office reminds seniors and their caregivers to be aware of fraudulent schemes that target the elderly, and other vulnerable consumers.  Additionally, if seniors become aware of or believe that they are victims of elder abuse, they should please contact law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Evans.

The Eastern District of Louisiana has a dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney tasked with the prosecution of elder abuse cases and who provides opportunities for prevention education and training for the public. If your organization would like to have our Elder Justice Coordinator conduct a presentation about elder abuse prevention, please contact Shane M. Jones, Community Outreach Coordinator, at 504-680-3000 or by email at shane.jones@usdoj.gov. 

If you need assistance or to report elder abuse, please contact your local adult protective services agency through the Eldercare Locator or by call the helpline at 1-800-677-1116 Monday – Friday 9am - 8pm EST. To report elder fraud, please visit the FBI’s IC3 Elder Fraud Complaint Center or contact the dedicated National Elder Fraud Hotline at 833–FRAUD–11 or 833–372–8311 Monday – Friday, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm EST.