As part of North Carolina's efforts to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, court officials are hosting local community events across the state.

"It is our community responsibility to protect our elders," said Clerk Pam Barlow, Ashe County Clerk of Superior Court and president of the N.C. Conference of Clerks of Superior Court. "We all have a responsibility to support the safety, welfare and dignity of our vulnerable and older adults."

The community events also recognize Vulnerable and Elder Abuse Awareness Month in North Carolina from May 8 to June 19 (Mother's Day through Father's Day). Clerks of superior court from across the state are participating in events to raise awareness and educate the community about elder abuse. They will wear purple on June 15 in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

"We encourage all citizens to join together against these serious crimes to keep our senior adults and communities safe," said Clerk Barlow.

Elder abuse affects adults of all backgrounds and includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, abandonment or financial abuse. More than 24,500 reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation of older adults were made to N.C. county Departments of Social Services in fiscal year 2014 - 15, an increase of 60 percent since 2008. Nationally, an estimated 5 million elders are victims each year, and for every case reported, more than 23 cases go unreported.

Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable or older adult is in need of protection is required by N.C. General Statute §108A-102 to report this information to the Department of Social Services (Adult Protective Services) in the county where the adult resides.