MIDDLE RIVER, MD— On Wednesday, June 15, Baltimore County Restoring Elder Safety Today (BC-REST) will commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a seminar for the community. The program, Shining a Light on Elder Safety, will take place at the Victory Villa Senior Center in Middle River from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

An educational panel discussion, Shining a Light on Elder Safety will share information and tips on how to identify and report elder abuse. Increasing awareness of elder abuse is critical to ensuring all seniors’ human rights are respected and protected every day; staying aware can be life changing. In addition to the discussion, AARP Maryland will also bring a truck for free shredding from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Those interested in attending the seminar can register online or call 410-887-4200.

Baltimore County Department of Aging and BC-REST encourage all to demonstrate their support for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Wednesday by wearing purple. Supporters can also take the #WEAAD615 Challenge and show action steps they will take to prevent elder abuse. Towson’s Historic Courthouse will feature purple outdoor lighting from June 12 through June 18 to draw attention to this important endeavor.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. 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.

Those interested in learning more should contact BC-REST at the Department of Aging at 410-887-4200.

Victory Villa Senior Center is located at 403 Compass Road E. in Middle River (21220).

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