Mesa County Department of Human
Services (MCDHS) receives an average of over 70 new adult protection referrals each month. Victims of adult abuse or neglect are at-risk
adults age 18 or over who are unable to protect themselves due to age or
disability. These individuals are sometimes
not aware of the resources in our community and often have no one else to
protect them.
Approximately 46% of the victims are over 70
years old and are physically impaired or have some form of dementia. The younger at-risk adult victims are persons
with physical or mental disabilities.
Abuse, exploitation and neglect are caused by a member of the victim’s
own family in a large percentage of cases. These residents are often vulnerable
to assault, burglary, fraud and other crimes because they cannot provide for
their own care and protection.
A schedule of
recognition proclamations & events for June is as follows:
City of Grand Junction - Wednesday,
June 17th at 7pm, Grand Junction City Hall
Town of Palisade –
Tuesday, June 9th, 6pm Palisade Town Hall
City of Fruita –Tuesday
June 16th, 7pm, Fruita City Hall
Annual Adult Protection Awareness
Luncheon-Thursday June 18, DHS Room 1060 1:30-3:00pm
The
Mesa County Department of Human Services is committed to advocating for people’s
rights. Senior citizens and persons with
disabilities are vital members of our families, our society, and our community. Historically, 1 in 5 cases of adult abuse are
actually reported. Adult abuse
encompasses many different types of harms and can occur in community, home or
institutional settings. It is hoped that Mandatory Reporting will increase the
number of referrals and provide greater safety for the older adults in our
community.
For
more information on suspected adult abuse and neglect please visit www.humanservices.mesacounty.us or call the Adult
Protection Hotline at 248-2888, option 2.
Callers can remain anonymous if they so chose.
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