Billboards Throughout Hampton Roads Help Call Attention to Elder Abuse
This article was published in The Virginian-Pilot on 9/10/25.
View online at https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/09/10/billboards-throughout-hampton-roads-help-call-attention-to-elder-abuse/?share=bitnptiltps0se0aie5o
Senior Services of Southeastern Virginia is spreading the word about elder abuse with billboards throughout Hampton Roads.
The nonprofit is deploying 14 billboards for a public awareness campaign throughout September reflecting the use of the three R’s to detect elder abuse and neglect: recognize, respond and refer. The signs include images of seniors with messages such as:
- “Have You Checked On Grandpa Lately?”
- “Elder Abuse Doesn’t Always Leave Bruises”
- “Protecting Seniors Starts With You”
The $35,000 billboards, by advertising companies Adams Outdoor and Lamar, are part of $100,000 in federal funding awarded by the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services, said Jane Constantineau, Senior Services marketing director. The majority of the grant funding is being used to train local Adult Protective Services employees and other service providers, though funds can also help with direct support for seniors experiencing abuse or neglect.
Roughly 1 in 10 Americans 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse, according to the National Council on Aging. But only 1 in 24 cases are brought to light.
Senior Services Chief Operating Officer Charnitta Waters said in a release that elder abuse, neglect and exploitation are often overlooked or misunderstood.
“Through this campaign, we want families, neighbors, and community members to know the signs and take action,” she said. “Protecting older adults is a responsibility we all share.”
Sandra J. Pennecke, 757-652-5836, sandra.pennecke@pilotonline.com
