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Sean D. Reyes
Utah Office of the Attorney General
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Elder Abuse Awareness Day

June 15, 2020

Today we bring awareness to elder abuse in our communities and reaffirm our commitment to protecting our senior citizens and bring perpetrators to justice.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during 2018. In institutions such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities, rates of elder abuse are high, with 2 in 3 staff reporting they have committed abuse in the past year.

Elder abuse is a criminal offense and can include physical, emotional or sexual harm; financial exploitation, or neglect of a person’s welfare by those who are directly responsible for their care. The abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences. Elder abuse is a violation of human rights and violates their trust in relationships where it is expected and required.

Our staff works tirelessly with community partners and local law enforcement to stop elder abuse, ensure the safety and well-being of our senior citizens, and bring perpetrators to justice.

The Utah Nursing Assistant Registry (UNAR), which oversees the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training and certification, monitors abuse cases in Utah, blacklists those convicted of abuse, and regularly updates an abuse registry which is available to the public.

If you believe that someone you love is experiencing abuse at the hands of their provider, please contact Adult Protective Services (APS) at 1-800-371-7897, or call 911 if there is an emergency. You can also submit a report online 24/7 with the Utah Department of Human Services Aging and Adult Services here.