Deadline is Fast Approaching Contest to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse

(Phoenix, Ariz. - Feb. 8, 2010)  In an effort to make young people aware of the tragedy of elder abuse, Attorney General Terry Goddard, the Arizona Area Agencies on Aging and the Arizona Elder Abuse Coalition have partnered to sponsor the 2010 “Why Should I Care about Elder Abuse?” student arts competition.

“This is the second year we have held this competition, and it has helped increase attention to elder abuse,” said Goddard. “While my office continues to prosecute those who commit this crime, only through awareness can we stop abuse before it begins.”

High school juniors throughout Arizona are invited to create an original artwork illustrating the question, “Why Should I Care about Elder Abuse?”  This contest will help spotlight the need to protect their grandparents, friends and neighbors. Elder abuse includes financial fraud or exploitation, neglect and physical abuse.  It is one of the most underreported crimes in Arizona.

Entries are due February 17, 2010, at your local Area Agency on Aging. Regional winners will be announced in March. Local area contest winners will receive first, second and third place prizes of $100, $75, and $50. Three winners from each Area Agency on Aging will then compete for statewide prizes. Statewide contest winners will receive first, second and third place prizes of $500, $250, and $100, and six honorable mentions will receive $25. 

Winning artworks will also be used on a poster to promote a statewide elder abuse awareness campaign held to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2010.

For additional information, contest rules and to find your local Area Agency on Aging, go to www.azag.gov.

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