Attorney General Formella Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Concord, NH – Attorney General John M. Formella urges all New Hampshire residents to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2024. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of older adults, and an opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of every resident to protect older adults throughout our State.

“Every year, thousands of older adults across our State suffer abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation, drastically affecting their safety and independence,” said Attorney General Formella. “In recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we send the message that we are committed to protecting our older adult residents. We urge all New Hampshire residents to identify ways in which they can protect and assist their older adult family members, friends, and neighbors.” 

Residents can assist in preventing elder abuse and supporting older adult victims by:

•    Recognizing that abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation against older adults exists in every community, and talking about it with your community leaders, family members, friends, and neighbors;

•    Advocating for elder abuse prevention and intervention programs and raising public awareness by sharing educational materials through community networks;

•    Lending strength to existing social support structures by volunteering for friendly visitor programs or social networks that support older adults and their caregivers; 

•    Identifying sudden changes in behavior of older adults, including changes in spending or money management, unexplained physical injuries, or unhealthy or unsafe living conditions;

•    Reporting concerns of abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation to New Hampshire’s Adult Protective Services, at 1-800-949-0470, because every resident is a mandated reporter.

The Department of Justice is committed to providing assistance in educating the public on various elder abuse topics, such as:

•    Best practices to protect older adults from common scams;
•    Mandatory abuse, neglect, and exploitation reporting requirements; and
•    Services available to older adult victims of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

To request a presentation by members of the Unit, please contact:

Christa Clapp, Elder Abuse Program Specialist
Consumer Protection and Antitrust Bureau
Elder Abuse and Financial Exploitation Unit
Christa.G.Clapp@doj.nh.gov | (603) 271-5009

On WEAAD, New Hampshire joins the world in voicing our opposition to elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. We extend our support to older adult victims and their loved ones, and we recognize with gratitude those who have committed their lives to protecting older adults throughout our communities.