Elder abuse takes many forms. It may be manifested by physical or emotional abuse, exploitation, or neglect. It is often hidden and is much more common than we want to admit. That is the reason that June 15 has been designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day — a time to recognize the fact that an estimated 14,000 older Mainers are suffering silently.

While we want to believe that our older citizens are being treated with dignity and respect, it is true that many older adults are being taken advantage of and abused psychologically, physically, and even sexually. The abuser is most often not a stranger, but is most often a family member or caregiver.

Eighty-five percent of cases in Maine go unreported. By educating ourselves, and especially older adults, we can encourage more active reporting. Older adults have rights and need to know how and where to turn for help.

Maine’s citizens are aging. We must be positioned to educate ourselves as professionals, the families and general public and, most importantly, the older adults who may be suffering, to take action.

If you suspect that you or someone you know is being subjected to abuse, call and report suspected abuse confidentially to the Department of Health and Human Services report line at 1-800-624-8404, or call your local law enforcement agency.

The silence must stop.

Betsy Sawyer-Manter, executive director

SeniorsPlus, Lewiston