NYSOFA recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, promotes resources to prevent, identify & and report elder abuse

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

New York State Office for the Aging press release

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and the 40th anniversary of the Upstate Elder Abuse Center at Lifespan of Greater Rochester. The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) stands with partners across the state to shine a light on elder abuse. Learn how to recognize, prevent and report abuse – including scams and financial fraud – so we can protect older New Yorkers together. 

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, “The World Health Organization estimates that only 1 in 24 cases of elder abuse is reported. Additionally, financial fraud and scams targeting older adults continue to rise, resulting in billions of dollars in losses. It’s essential for family members, friends, neighbors and caregivers to recognize the signs of abuse, have open conversations with loved ones, and take advantage of the many resources available in New York state to prevent abuse, report concerns, and support victims.”

Forms of elder abuse

Elder abuse takes several forms: physical, emotional, and sexual abuse; financial exploitation; and neglect (including self-neglect). Elder abuse is not always easily recognized. Older adults who are socially isolated are at increased risk for elder abuse, and NYSOFA offers many resources to help overcome this root cause, including socialization programs available through local county Offices for the Aging and digital tools to help connect older adults.

Identifying elder abuse

An older adult could be a victim of elder abuse if they:

•Seem depressed, confused or withdrawn.

•Are isolating from friends and family.

•Have unexplained bruises, burns or scars.

•Exhibit poor hygiene or appear underfed, dehydrated, overmedicated or undermedicated, or are not receiving needed care for medical problems.

•Have bed sores or other preventable conditions.

•Exhibit recent changes in banking or spending patterns.

Reporting elder abuse

•To report abuse, individuals should call the Adult Protective Services (APS) helpline at 1-844-697-3505.

•For emergencies that require immediate attention, call 9-1-1.

•For nonemergency assistance, or if you are worried about a friend or loved one, call the helpline for concerned individuals at 1-844-746-6905. This is a confidential resource.

Programs to combat elder abuse

NYSOFA, in partnership with Lifespan of Greater Rochester and its contractors, provides a statewide elder abuse education and outreach program (EAEOP) for older adults, their families and caregivers.

NYSOFA has also pioneered the use of enhanced multidisciplinary teams (E-MDTs) to intervene in cases of elder abuse through the elder abuse E-MDT initiative. E-MDTs, now in every region of the state, convene local agencies in individual counties working together to help address cases of elder abuse. From 2014 to 2025, E-MDT interventions led to a reported $7.8 million in restitution in financial exploitation cases. Of this, $2.7 million was reported returned to the victims. To learn more, visit the E-MDT Initiative website or read NYSOFA's report on the E-MDT model to learn more about program outcomes.

New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS) Commissioner Dr. DaMia Harris-Madden said, “As a society, elders are to be cherished and protected, so we must all do our part to prevent undetected or unreported reports of elder abuse and exploitation. OCFS applauds NYSOFA and its partners for prioritizing the prevention of abuse and exploitation, as well as encouraging our older adults and upstanders to break the silence and report suspected abuse. Through OCFS’ adult protective services division, we stand ready to combat elder maltreatment and ask the community to please call the New York State Adult Services Helpline or law enforcement should you suspect abuse. Please also visit our adult protective services webpages for additional information.”

Ann Marie Cook, president and CEO of Lifespan of Greater Rochester, said, “Elder abuse is an injustice which erodes the safety and dignity of older people. It also thrives in silence. As people live longer, as people become more isolated, and as frailty and vulnerability increase, there is a great potential for abuse, neglect and financial exploitation. In New York state, the silence is over. Our shared goal is to help older adults in New York state live fulfilling lives free of abuse, mistreatment and exploitation.”

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Rebecca Preve said, “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to learn how to identify and intervene on behalf of vulnerable individuals who are at risk or have experienced elder abuse. Tragically, incidences of elder abuse are underreported, under-prosecuted, and are silently affecting the lives of our most vulnerable. This day marks an opportunity for society to take meaningful action to reduce incidence and promote awareness of elder abuse. We proudly join NYSOFA and the aging services network in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Eric Jacobsen, elder abuse and E-MDT program coordinator at NYSOFA, said, “Abuse, exploitation and scams are found in all communities and impact every age, race, ethnic/cultural background, socioeconomic status and sexual orientation. We must all be aware of the warning signs and be vigilant, not only for ourselves but also for those we care about and interact with. If you feel that something is not right, it probably isn’t. Please take a moment to familiarize yourself with the resources New York state has made available.”

Scam resources

Financial exploitation – including scams and other fraud tactics that target older adults – is the most common form of elder abuse. The Federal Bureau of Investigation estimates that fraud cost victims 60 and older $7.7 billion in 2025.

NYSOFA's “Don't Get Scammed: A Comprehensive Guide for Avoiding Fraud and Theft” provides tips, resources and more to help older adults avoid scams. Please also watch and share NYSOFA's series of videos on some of the most common scams targeting older adults. As part of the New York state budget, Gov. Kathy Hochul has tasked NYSOFA with developing additional scams-prevention resources, which will include a forthcoming video series on some of the most common scams, how to prevent them, warning signs, trusted tools to prevent scams, and where to turn for help.

Among these trusted tools and resources, vetted and endorsed by NYSOFA, are:

•SilverShield empowers older adults to protect themselves from scams and fraud. SilverShield immediately reviews suspicious texts, emails and messages, and provides easy-to-understand, personalized guidance on what to do to stay safe. Sign up at silvershield.ai.

•EverSafe is the first financial wellness tool for older adults and caregivers designed to protect against cyber scams, identity theft and financial abuse. The system learns your financial behavior and notifies you of any suspicious transactions. Learn more at eversafe.com.

•Lifespan of Greater Rochester's fraud awareness network is a peer-to-peer fraud survivors group available to any older adult in New York state. The group meets virtually and is facilitated by Lifespan's fraud prevention team. To join, call Lifespan at 585-244-8400.

NYSOFA has partnered with GetSetUp, an online health and wellness learning community, to feature online classes specifically for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15), including “Elder Abuse Awareness: Understanding the Different Types of Abuse,” “Recognizing the Signs of Elder Abuse,” and “How to Spot and Prevent Elder Financial Abuse.” In addition to these classes, the June series “Stronger Together This June” includes classes honoring Pride Month, Men’s Health Month, and National Safety Month, while also recognizing meaningful moments like Juneteenth (June 19), Father’s Day (June 21), and International Yoga Day (June 21). Join GetSetUp for classes and conversations focused on wellness, identity, safety and community. These special classes are among hundreds available for older adults to meet with their peers for online learning and social connectedness. 

Other resources

The Division of Consumer Protection can help victims of scams and fraud. It also offers consumer prevention and education information. For more information, call 1-800-697-1220. The New York State Office of Victim Services may be able to help crime victims with medical bills, counseling expenses, lost wages, and other types of assistance. The New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence provides a directory of programs that includes residential services and/or assistance, information, referral, counseling, advocacy, community education and outreach services. These and other resources can be found at https://aging.ny.gov/elder-abuse.