New Statewide Elder Financial Abuse Prevention Initiative To Be Launched At Upcoming Event

‘CALL TO ACTION’ event to address the growing crime of Elder Financial Abuse - A new statewide public awareness initiative to be launched.

"Elder Abuse is one of the worst crimes because it is committed against vulnerable elders who should be treated with respect for all they have given to our families and communities," said Kamala Harris, District Attorney, City & County of San Francisco.

Approximately 300 people, including elected officials, elder advocates, bank and credit union representatives, law enforcement and social service agency representatives from across California are expected to attend. "Call to Action" is the only event with such a broad reach across these disciplines and has become the premier elder financial abuse prevention event in California.

“Public awareness and community education is the key to stopping this devastating crime against elders,” Said Jenefer Duane, EFPN CEO and Executive Director “This is a Call to Action for banks, credit unions, law enforcement and social service agencies to step up their efforts to collaborate in the prevention, investigation and prosecution of this crime against California’s older residents.”

Experts say that elder financial abuse is the “crime of the 21st century.” Tragically, it is estimated that in California 225,000 seniors are financially abused in California each year. According to the California Welfare Directors Association, only one in 100 cases are actually reported due to shame, fear of retaliation, family connection, lack of awareness, isolation and other factors.

Jenefer Duane, CEO and Executive DirectorElder Financial Protection Network415.897.9555 jduane@bewiseonline.org