The City of Wolverhampton Council's Safeguarding team receives hundreds of calls every year about older people who may have been abused in some way.
Abuse can include being physically or emotionally harmed, financially or sexually exploited, neglected or discriminated against, while those most at risk include people with disabilities, mental health problems, dementia or those who are physically frail.
The abuse can happen anywhere - often where someone should feel safe, such as in their own home - and can be perpetrated by people they think they can trust, like a relative, friend or professional.
Anyone who is being abused, or who knows someone they suspect to be the victim of abuse, should call 01902 551199 in confidence, or 01902 552999 outside normal office hours. In an emergency, always dial 999.
Councillor Sandra Samuels OBE, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "We are committed to preventing abuse in Wolverhampton, no matter what form it takes and who the victim may be.
"Sadly, many vulnerable older people are the victims of abuse, often from a family member or someone claiming to be their friend, and it's something we need everyone to be alert to.
"Abuse can be a single one off act or something that happens over weeks, months or years. It can be accidental or deliberate, and just because there is no physical injury doesn't mean there has been no abuse.
"When concerns are reported to either the council or police, we will always ensure that any abuse is thoroughly investigated and positive actions are put in place to ensure that our city's residents are properly protected."
For more details about protecting adults from abuse, please visit Type=articles;Articleid=2957;Title=Protecting adults from abuse;.
To mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, people are being encouraged to wear purple ribbons and make a £1 donation to Action on Elder Abuse. Purple is a colour recognised for dignity, respect and royalty, the same way people should treat older people.
The ribbons are available from the Safeguarding team, based at Priory Green, Whitburn Close, Pendeford.
The Safeguarding team has its own Type=links;Linkid=7295;Title=Facebook;Target=_blank; page and people who don the ribbons are being encouraged to share pictures there and on Twitter using the hashtag #WEAAD.
- released: Monday 13 June, 2016