MAYVILLE, N.Y. — Chautauqua County will join communities across New York State and around the world in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) with a public event on Monday, June 15, 2026, at 1 p.m. outside the Chautauqua County Courthouse in Mayville.
Observed annually on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a global call to action to raise awareness about the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults while promoting respect, dignity, and safety for aging populations.
The event will feature remarks from Chautauqua County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr.; Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services; Jeannette Carlin of the Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association; and Mike Lee of the Center for Elder Law & Justice and the Chautauqua County Enhanced Multidisciplinary Team (E-MDT).
"Every older adult deserves to live with dignity, security, and respect," said County Executive Paul M. Wendel Jr. "World Elder Abuse Awareness Day reminds us that protecting our aging population is a shared responsibility. Through education, awareness, and community partnerships, we can help ensure older adults throughout Chautauqua County remain safe, supported, and connected."
Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, neglect, and self-neglect. According to New York State data, more than 300,000 older adults experience some form of elder abuse each year, yet many cases go unreported. Financial exploitation remains one of the most common forms of abuse, often targeting older adults through scams, fraud, and misuse of personal resources.
"Too often, elder abuse happens behind closed doors and goes unnoticed," said Dana Corwin, Director of the Chautauqua County Office for Aging Services. "By increasing awareness and helping people recognize the warning signs, we can strengthen protections for older adults and ensure those in need know where to turn for help."
Individuals living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia are particularly vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. Community education and early intervention play an important role in protecting these individuals and supporting family caregivers.
"People living with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias often face increased risks of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation," said Jeannette Carlin of the Alzheimer's Association, Western New York Chapter. "Education, support, and strong community partnerships are essential to helping families navigate these challenges and ensuring vulnerable individuals receive the care and protection they deserve."
The event will also highlight the work of local agencies and multidisciplinary partners who collaborate to investigate, prevent, and respond to complex cases of elder abuse.
"Addressing elder abuse requires a coordinated community response," said Mike Lee of the Center for Elder Law & Justice. "When legal professionals, social service agencies, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and aging services work together, we can better protect vulnerable older adults and help victims access the support and justice they deserve."
Community members, caregivers, service providers, and advocates are encouraged to attend the event and learn more about available resources. The program will be livestreamed on Chautauqua County's YouTube channel for those unable to attend in person.
Anyone who suspects elder abuse should contact the New York State Adult Services Helpline at 1-844-697-3505, call 9-1-1 in an emergency, or contact local Adult Protective Services for assistance.
For more information about services available to older adults and caregivers, contact the Office for Aging Services at (716) 753-4471 or NY Connects at (716) 753-4582.
