On May 5, the Chinese community held a conference on the prevention of abuse of elders. Both the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (NCPEA) and The New York Office of Children and Family Services sent representatives to explain the rights of abused senior citizens and to urge victims to come forward courageously.   

The activity was organized by the Chinese Community Center. According to its spokesperson, cases involving children who abuse their parents have increased in the Chinese community. Recently, the Center launched "Action Plan to Prevent Elder Abuse." The plan followed up on individual cases and protected victimized elders; however, because of the limited funding and staff, the center hoped that through the conference, it could raise family awareness and allow victimized elders to know their rights.   

Yesterday's conference attracted about 60 senior citizens. Some of them went to get help directly from the conference. According to Mary Lynn Kasunic, a representative from the National Committee for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, elder abuse can include emotional, physical, financial, and psychological neglect.  Kasunic defined elder abuse, and described its solutions, and causes. She said that many victims chose to remain silent instead of reporting their relatives. In the end, they continue to be abused. Moreover, some senior citizens do not know the law and have no English-language skills to get help. She said that the senior citizens can get protection from the government; as long as they call 9/11, the proper agency will provide them with help and services.

Representatives from Protective Services for Adults also explained that they can provide counseling, financial budgeting services, legal referrals, housing help, etc.  

Chinese community members said that the problem of elder abuse has long existed in the Chinese community. They hope that that community will pay more attention to the problem and that the government will provide more funding.  Many elected officials were also present at yesterday's conference.