ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) —

Organizers are hoping to raise awareness about the need to protect seniors with a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk and related events from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday, June 13 at Carrier Park, 220 Amboy Road, Asheville.

“Elder abuse is defined as a single act, or a repeated act, or a lack of action that is perpetrated by someone who the adult trusts and has the impact of causing harm or distress to the adult,” said Laurie Dotson, chair of Buncombe County Elder Justice Coalition.

There are several kinds of elder abuse, including various types of exploitation, or the illegal use of an elder’s assets for another’s gain.

“Abuse and neglect happens to one out of every 10 elder Americans,” Dotson said. “Financial exploitation is one out of every 14.”

The Elder Justice Coalition created Friends Against Fraud to combat financial exploitation. The educational program is designed to help elders learn the top 10 financial scams, how elders can protect themselves and who to call if it happens.

The WEAAD Walk is another initiative to raise awareness and teach fraud literacy. The walk is a half-mile route, and participants can enjoy free Annie B’s ice cream, a live DJ and a variety of vendors, in addition to learning about exploitation.

In conjunction with the event, Holly Jones of the N.C. Department of Justice will speak about financial scams, joined by U.S. Attorney Dena King.

One tip that Dotson has for elders and their loved ones is an updated version of “Stop, Drop and Roll.”

“Stop, think and wait,” Dotson said. “If it’s too good to be true, it is.”

According to Dotson, the WEAAD Walk is a way to give back.

“Everyone has the power to make a difference,” Dotson said. “This is a social and health issue that is facing our older adults. Let’s just think about it. None of us would be here without our elders. Right? This is a way that you can come get educated and make a difference.”

If you suspect that you or a loved one has been a victim of elder abuse, reach out to Buncombe County’s Department of Health & Human Services by phone at (828) 250-5800.