Yesterday, the Multnomah County Board of Commissioners approved a proclamation declaring June 15, 2011, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. 

The measure was sponsored by Commissioners Judy Shiprack and Loretta Smith and is intended to promote awareness of this serious and often life-threatening issue.

The Multnomah County Adult Protective Services handled eight thousand one hundred reports of abuse, neglect or exploitation last year.  

Joe Meyer spoke with Multnomah County Commissioner Loretta Smith for details: