WASHINGTON, N.C. –– June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Beaufort County Department of Social Services is encouraging everyone to join the agency in raising awareness of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation.

When adults over the age of 60 are abused, neglected or financially exploited, that mistreatment is called elder abuse. Physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, verbal abuse, financial abuse, sexual abuse and abandonment are all forms of elder abuse. An estimated 5 million adults in the United States experience some form of elder abuse each year, according to the National Council on Aging. That abuse can happen anywhere and can be perpetrated by anyone –– including family members, medical providers, caregivers, friends and strangers.

Beaufort County DSS receives and evaluates local reports of elder abuse to determine if protective services are needed. Social workers analyze the details of each case and work with the affected individual and their family to identify and prevent problems that contribute to elder abuse. A social worker can initiate court action as necessary to protect a vulnerable adult and mobilize essential services on behalf of the adult.

A report must meet these criteria to be evaluated by APS:

• Does the adult have a disability?
• Has the adult been abused, neglected or exploited?
• Does the adult need protective services?

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, in the fiscal year 2023-2024 Beaufort County received 294 Adult Protective Services reports. Of those 294 reports, 229 met the criteria and were accepted for investigation.

In the fiscal year 2023-2024, DSS agencies in North Carolina received approximately 38,400 Adult Protective Services reports. Gov. Josh Stein recently declared June 15, 2025, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in North Carolina.

If you witness any form of elder abuse or suspect that such abuse has taken place, contact your local DSS to file an Adult Protective Services report. Call 911 if there is an immediate need for protection. APS reporting is kept confidential. Your name will not be disclosed if you report a case of elder abuse.

To file an Adult Protective Services report in Beaufort County, call 252-975-5500 and request to speak with Adult Services intake. Beaufort County DSS’s physical address is 632 W. Fifth St., Washington, NC 27889.

Reporting cases of elder abuse is a critical step to help alleviate elder abuse and improve the lives of older adults.