In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Fulton County Commissioner Khadijah Abdur-Rahman of the ‘Mighty District 6’ is joining forces with District Attorney Fani Willis and Chief Judge of Probate Court Kenya Johnson to help keep seniors safe. Seniors are invited to attend a special Lunch-and-Learn Seminar on Friday, June 23 at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility, 2885 Church Street in East Point.

“Seniors are one of our most vulnerable populations, particularly when it comes to Elder Abuse, which is a silent problem that exists in homes, assisted living facilities, and other places,” said Commissioner Abdur-Rahman. “For this reason, I have committed efforts to bringing attention to this issue by hosting bi-annual Senior Seminars, which have grown tremendously since its inception in 2022. Each seminar has been well attended by more than 400 Seniors and 30+ Vendors. Furthermore, forming a collaboration with Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis and Probate Judge Kenya Johnson, has resulted in Seniors not being afraid to step forward to seek prosecution of their perpetrators. We are proud of the progress that has been made in the cases that we have resolved.”

From 8 a.m. until 2:30 p.m., senior citizens in Fulton County and the surrounding area will receive vital information on how to remain safe and fend off scam artists. Commissioner Abdur-Rahman, District Attorney Willis, and Judge Johnson will educate seniors on how to:

- Identify signs of elder abuse
- Prevent abuse
- Seek help to get out of an abusive situation

The doors for the Lunch and Learn Seminar will open at 8 a.m. for a morning vendor exhibit session. Seniors will have access to more than 20 on-site vendors before and after the luncheon. The Lunch and Learn portion of the event will begin promptly at 10 a.m.

“Seniors are too often targeted by criminals who seek to hurt them physically or financially,” said Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. “That's why my office, through our new Elder Abuse Unit, is making a strong effort to protect them. We greatly appreciate Commissioner Abdur-Rahman for making a special effort to educate seniors about how they can stay safe, and we look forward to working with her at the event.”

“Probate Court’s mission is to educate and empower communities and its elders about estate planning, legacy giving and generational wealth,” said Judge Johnson. “The Mighty 6 District’s work to offer life-improving services to seniors speaks volumes about the respect county leadership has for those who cared for us in the past, and the county’s investment in our future. Probate Court is excited to fulfill our mission by bringing valuable probate services into the communities where we serve and live.”

According to the National Council on Aging, one in 10 members of the older population will experience some form of abuse, and unfortunately, it will occur at the hands of a family member. Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment. Perpetrators include children, other family members, and spouses—as well as staff at nursing homes, assisted living, and other facilities.”