I read with interest Sarah Peterson’s guest column on elder abuse, printed June 14. Believe me, it is happening , in their homes and in nursing homes. I hear it every day from my friends or read about it online.

I am hoping that, as the public becomes more educated, this travesty will be exposed…

The elderly are surely the most vulnerable members of society. When they become ill, they have to rely on others to care for them. They are often subjected to a wide range of abuse – mental, physical and financial, and often are too debilitated or scared to tell anyone what is happening to them. Or they just may not want their son/daughter/grandchild exposed for their atrocious behavior. They even may feel responsible.

Of all the abuse heaped on our elders, financial abuse is the most common.

There are Web sites, including http://www.preventelderlyabuse.com, that can help educate and inform the public, so such abuse may be brought to light.

Those who know what is happening, or know and do nothing, are as guilty as the perpetrator.

Elderly abuse and child abuse are sides of the same coin and both need to be exposed. It happened in my family; it can happen to anyone’s. People need to get educated..

Mary Jane Newell, South Paris