We took part in this important conference held in Bakersfield, California. Here is an article from The Bakersfield Californian or link to the article here.
Raising community awareness
Experts believe that up to 80 percent of seniors embrace deep spiritual values as they draw closer to the end of life. Unfortunately, one of the tactics of abusers of the elderly is to ridicule their belief system to humiliate and develop undue influence over them. Often the victim is not allowed to go to church or contact anyone from the faith community.
The 12th annual Elder Abuse Prevention Conference, "Domestic Violence in Later Life," was held Wednesday with 175 attendees from various disciplines, including clergy and three very eager students from Liberty High School. This was close to a 60 percent increase in attendance over 2008, when 110 participated. At least one spiritual leader present said the conference increased his awareness by helping him identify the signs and symptoms of both physical and financial abuse, and by teaching him what services are available once the abuse is identified.
Speakers shared moving stories of abused elderly persons, including one of a woman who was battered by her husband earlier in life, and by her daughter as a senior.
The conference was designed not only to increase awareness on elder abuse but also to challenge the community to get involved in reporting suspected abuse and in developing safety net services for Kern County's abused elderly. In keeping with that goal, Adult Protective Services plans to begin an informational outreach to Kern's faith community in the coming months to help congregation leaders and members identify elder abuse and the prevention resources available. To report suspected elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 868-1006 or 800-277-7866.
Paul Rozell is program director of Protective Services with Kern County Aging and Adult Services. The Rev. Steve Vinson is executive pastor at Canyon Hills Assembly of God Church.
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