Capitol Marks Elder Abuse Awareness
The state Capitol will be illuminated in purple Wednesday in honor of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Purple is the color to signify awareness of elder abuse. Sponsors have asked the public to wear purple on Wednesday.
The Tennessee Department of Human Services says it received nearly 9,500 reports of adult abuse, neglect and/or financial exploitation last year. A news release from the department said elder abuse is an under reported crime because the victims are often isolated, vulnerable to the abuser or unable to speak for themselves.
In a proclamation, Gov. Bill Haslam said Tennesseans have the responsibility “to ensure that (seniors) live safely and with dignity.”
