By Brad Palmer
Carbondale, IL – July is Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois, and state Department on Aging officials are urging people to "break the silence."
State Aging Director Charles Johnson says as many as 80,000 older Illinoisans are victims of abuse. That can include physical, mental, sexual and financial abuse.
He says often the abuser is a close relative who is caring for them.
More than 10,000 reports of elder abuse were made during the 2008 fiscal year, which reflects a 16% increase in reporting since the campaign was initiated three years ago.
Johnson urges seniors who are being abused to speak up...and report what's happening at the state's elder abuse hotline. That number is 1-866-800-1409.
