Governor Stein Proclaims World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina joins the world in observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 to highlight the fact that too many older adults live in fear, are mistreated, or experience intentional harm; and 

Whereas, elder abuse is grossly underreported and overlooked, and it is one of the most pressing concerns of our times; and the number of adults over the age of 65 in North Carolina has increased dramatically and will continue to do so for many years; and with greater longevity come more opportunities for older adults to experience maltreatment, whether physical, emotional, or financial; and 

Whereas, each resident has a responsibility to report any suspicion of abuse, neglect, or exploitation without fear of reprisal to their county social services department; and in the State Fiscal Year 2024-2025, approximately 36,250 reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable and older adults were made to North Carolina’s 100 county departments of social services; and 

Whereas, North Carolina ranks ninth nationally in the number of people 65 and older, and by 2028 one in five residents of our state will be older than 65, with the fastest-growing age group being individuals age 85 and older; and 

Whereas, 27 percent of adults 65 and older live alone, placing them at greater risk of social isolation and poor health outcomes, and 14 percent of older North Carolinians are food insecure, leaving them susceptible to malnutrition and self-neglect, which is the most common form of neglect; and

Whereas, abuse, neglect, and exploitation can occur in the community or in long-term care facilities, and swift action must be taken to ensure appropriate authorities address these reports; and World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a time for North Carolinians to reflect upon and commit to using every tool and resource available to ensure North Carolina’s older adults can live their lives with confidence, dignity, and peace of mind knowing their later years are free from fear, hurt, and harm;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim June 15, 2026, as “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this third day of June in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.