Catawba County News
Recognize and Report the Signs of Elder Abuse
Published: June 10, 2026
In conjunction with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which takes place June 15, Catawba County Social Services encourages all residents to recognize and report signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
The purpose of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is to provide an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. This day also serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Five Facts About Elder Abuse: (1) Elder abuse happens mostly in the home where the senior lives. (2) 1 in 10 older adults experience some form of abuse in their lifetime. (3) The most common form of abuse is financial exploitation and extortion. (4) In 90% of older elder abuse and neglect incidents, the perpetrator is a family member. (5) Only one in every six instances of elder abuse is reported.
Source: https://nationaltoday.com/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day/
The Adult Protective Services (APS) team at Catawba County Social Services receives and evaluates reports of suspected abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of adults aged 18 and older. Reports may be called in at (828) 695-5609 Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If reporting after hours or during holidays, call 911.
“Abuse, neglect and/or exploitation of older and disabled adults is more common than most people realize,” said Heather Ball, Adult Services Program Manager, Catawba County Social Services. “In Catawba County, we work to protect the county’s most vulnerable adults by connecting them with the services and resources they need to stay as safe and healthy as possible.”
For more information about Adult Protective Services in Catawba County, visit www.catawbacountync.gov and click on Social Services under the County Services tab.