June 3, 2015 -- Westchester County Executive Robert P. Astorino announced that the county will mark the 9th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a documentary and discussion on Monday, June 15 from 1-2 p.m. at the Hugh A. Doyle Senior Center, 94 Davis Ave., New Rochelle.

"Elder abuse is a shameful crime aimed at vulnerable people and it will not be tolerated," Astorino said. "I welcome the opportunity to once again put a spotlight on this serious issue."

The 20-minute documentary, "An Age for Justice: Confronting Elder Abuse in America," will be followed by a discussion led by Susan Brownbill-Vega, assistant district attorney with the Westchester District Attorney's Office; and Gary Brown, assistant attorney general in charge of the Attorney General's Westchester regional office. Brown is also the AG's statewide elder abuse coordinator.

The film brings viewers into the homes of courageous American seniors to hear their poignant stories about the abuse, neglect and exploitation they have experienced. The goal of the film is to bring the issue of elder abuse out of the shadows by helping viewers to recognize signs of abuse and know where to go for help.

The program is sponsored by the county's Department of Senior Programs and Services and the Livable Communities Elder Abuse Collaborative of the Westchester Public/Private Partnership for Aging Services.

Elder abuse refers to the intentional, neglectful or exploitive acts by a family member, caregiver, "trusted" individual or stranger that lead to, or may lead to, the harm of an older person. The abuse can be physical, sexual, emotional or financial and the problem crosses social and economic lines.