Elder Abuse Month - Elder Abuse Hotline Here

CHICAGO (AP) -- Governor Rod Blagojevich has declared the month of July Elder Abuse Awareness month.

The governor's office says more than 76,000 seniors in Illinois are victims of elder abuse.

The state defines elder abuse as the neglect, financial exploitation, or physical, mental or sexual injury of a person age 60 or older.

Illinois Department of Aging Director Charles Johnson says elder abuse happens every day and often goes unreported.

He encourages victims or people who suspect someone is being abused to call the state's Elder Abuse Hotline at 866-800-1409.

The department is holding an Elder Rights Conference in Lincolnshire on July 17th to 19th to raise awareness about the issue.