The Guilford County Family Justice Center is looking for a few local heroes – the kind of people who step up for their older neighbors whenever the elderly need help the most.
In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – which falls on Sunday, June 15 – the justice center’s Elder Justice Committee is now accepting nominations for its 2025 Elder Justice Champion Award.
The annual honor shines a spotlight on individuals and organizations in Guilford County who go “above and beyond” when it comes to protecting the dignity, safety and rights of older adults.
The Guilford County Family Justice Center launched in downtown Greensboro in 2015 and, since then, it has served as a model for similar departments around the country. It brings together therapists, law enforcement officers, medical experts, those in the judicial branch and many others in an effort to provide a “one stop shop” for those facing child abuse, elder abuse or other significant family related issues.
Elder abuse is more common than a lot of people realize – it affects about one in 10 Americans over the age of 60. And it comes in many forms: from physical and emotional harm to neglect to financial exploitation.
That’s where the Family Justice Center comes in. Victims know they aren’t alone.
There’s a justice center in downtown High Point and one in downtown Greensboro where Guilford County staff work alongside therapists, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and medical professionals to support victims and hold abusers accountable.
The nomination deadline for this year’s Elder Justice Champion Award is Wednesday, June 4. Winners will be recognized at the annual Triad Elder Abuse Awareness Walk, Stroll, and Roll, which will be held on Saturday, June 14 at Triad Park in Kernersville.
To submit a nomination or learn more about the award and previous recipients, visit the county’s website at guilfordcountync.gov/fjc. For questions, you can contact Guilford County Elder Justice Specialist Coordinator Heather Magill, , at 336-641-2317.
At the county’s family justice centers, victims of domestic and sexual violence can access a wide range of supportive resources, such as speaking with a victim advocate, getting help with filing a restraining order, planning for their safety, engaging with a law enforcement officer, and meeting with professionals to discuss civil and criminal legal issues.
They may also receive medical assistance, and they can get information on how to access shelter and other community resources.
The Family Justice Center is also a resource for community outreach, training, and education and it works alongside organizations throughout the county, the state, and the nation.
I have see first-hand the predatory practices used against more “trusting” seniors of limited means and cognitive abilities. Trust is neither given nor taken, it is earned. Anyone says “trust me”, don’t.
Times have changed, and not for the better.
The Guilford county board if commissioners would be a shoo in for this award if they would rescind property taxes on the elderly
I reported a battery charge against my neighbor who was prepared to strike me in the head with a hammer. No arrest, nothing. In fact, she still lives below me. I called the office involved and he hadn’t the decency to return my call. I’m 71 years old. Don’t look for the police to protect you.
Glenn get a bigger hammer or a gun.
i think the threat is assault & an actual ‘strike’ is battery ?