Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The day is recognized around the globe to raise awareness and to acknowledge the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
Here in Windsor-Essex, the local chapter of Family Services held a tree dedication ceremony at Harrowood Retirement Home in Harrow.
Program Co-ordinator Mehnaz Rafat says Family Services deals with up to 500 cases of reported elder abuse in the community throughout the year.
"Physical abuse, verbal abuse, psychological abuse, financial abuse and of course neglect," says Rafat.
She says awareness is growing but there is also an increase in elder abuse.
"That could be because the population of elderly people is increasing as well and it is projected that by 2030 we will have approximately 4.2-million seniors over the age of 65 in Ontario,"
Rafat says if you witness elder abuse, call your local police department.