June is Elder Abuse Awareness Month. With reports of elder abuse on the rise in Illinois since 2022, Department on Aging (IDoA) Director Mary Killough, is reminding community members to learn the warning signs and speak up about suspected abuse of older adults. Elder abuse is characterized as an act causing any physical, mental or sexual injury to an older adult, including exploitation of their financial resources and abandonment. Anyone can report abuse of an older adult or person with a disability who lives in the community by calling Illinois’ 24-hour APS hotline at 866-800-1409 or 711 (for Telecommunications Relay Service for persons with hearing or speech disabilities). When making a report to APS, callers should be prepared to provide the name and location of the alleged victim and details regarding the alleged abuse. For information about the Department’s programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.