On Thursday, Feb. 1, Senator Stephen Baldwin welcomed the Elder Abuse Awareness Committee of Greenbrier County to the WV Senate for recognition. Formed in 2009, the committee is comprised of members from law enforcement, health care, social work, mental health, and business.

They conduct workshops and provide training sessions to raise awareness and improve outcomes for victims of elder abuse. They also instituted the only elder abuse multidisciplinary team in the state, which has produced an increase in prosecutions of elder abuse in this community. Members present included Gloria Martin, Vicki Dove, Steve Keadle, Britt Ludwig, Kim Estep, Drema Stanley, and Ruth Carroll.

Senator Baldwin invited them to the capitol last week for two reasons. “One, I wanted to recognize them. These are volunteers doing good work to benefit the least among us. Two, they developed a model that can be implemented across the state. I wanted others to learn what they are doing so they can do it in their own communities.”

Elder abuse is a growing problem. One in ten elderly citizens are victims in their lifetime, and sixty percent of the time a family member is the perpetrator.  Elder abuse includes physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse.

If you suspect abuse, please contact law enforcement.