On June 6, 2016 Paulding County Commission Chairman David Austin proclaimed that June 15, 2016 would be Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Paulding County. Alongside Chairman Austin when he made this announcement were Sheriff Gary Gulledge and Paulding Judicial Circuit District Attorney Dick Donovan. Also on hand were several of the Detectives from the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Division who work elder abuse cases.
Elder abuse is most often defined as an act that harms a senior or developmentally disabled adult which jeopardizes his/her health or welfare. With elder abuse being one of the most troubling crimes, we have to make sure our elderly citizens are protected from physical, emotional, and financial abuse which could be inflicted by caretakers and family members.
Sheriff Gary Gulledge noted, “All of our residents should watch for signs of elder abuse such as physical trauma, withdrawal, depression, anxiety, fear of family members, friends, or caregivers. If you see one of these signs, you need to call and report it immediately.”
On June 15th, everyone should take an opportunity to make sure the senior adults in your life are being cared for properly. If you have any questions, you can contact the Criminal Investigations Division of the Paulding County Sheriff’s Office at (770) 443-3015.