BOISE, Idaho — On Friday, the Nampa Family Justice Center hosted a walk and resource fair in hopes of raising awareness about elder abuse. The nonprofit "promotes safety, self-sufficiency, hope and healing to people who have been or are being abused."
A U.S. Department of Justice report shows 1 in 10 adults aged 65 or older will experience some form of abuse in a given year.
"Elder abuse is an issue that's happening in our communities," program manager Alyssa Groen said. "It happens in our nursing homes; it happens everywhere you look. It could be physical abuse; it could be sexual abuse; it could be financial exploitation."
Margie Kramer spoke at the event. She and her sister are victims of elder abuse. She said her nephew verbally abused and stole money from them.
"He bought things with our debit cards," Kramer said, "which we didn't know. The screaming and hollering became so threatening."
She thinks a lot of people do not know elder abuse is an issue because people do not talk about it, especially when it happens within a family.
Seniors who have memory loss or live alone are more likely to be abused. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, you can report it at Adult Protective Services or call 911 if there is immediate danger.
Local nonprofits that help victims, like the Nampa Family Justice Center, are also able to help.
"We need to speak up and talk about it," Groen said," because I don't want elders to have to suffer in silence."
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