Governor Blagojevich launches annual “Break the Silence” campaign to increase awareness about Elder Abuse

Illinois State Government, Jul 18, 2007

CHICAGO – Governor Rod R. Blagojevich and the Illinois Department on Aging (IDOA) today launched the 3rd annual statewide “Break the Silence” campaign and proclaimed July Elder Abuse Awareness Month in Illinois. The Governor and the Department are encouraging those who are victims or suspect abuse to call the state’s 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409, where trained professionals are prepared to take reports of elder abuse and forward them promptly to local service agencies or law enforcement.

“Our seniors deserve to be treated with dignity, respect, and to feel safe and secure. Abuse and neglect are unacceptable, and the sooner we know about a case of abuse, the sooner we can put a stop to it,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “But in order to keep up the fight against abuse and neglect, we need to make sure we have the means and resources to do it. That’s why I’m once again calling on lawmakers to work together on a balanced budget that provides adequate funding for programs like Elder Abuse prevention that helps keep thousands of seniors safe every year.”

It is estimated that more than 76,000 seniors in Illinois are elder abuse victims. In Illinois, elder abuse is defined as neglect, physical, mental or sexual injury or financial exploitation to an adult 60 years of age or older.