Mahoning County celebrated World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on Wednesday bringing light to the global issue of elder abuse.

WEAAD is held annually by the Mahoning County Adult Protective Service Unit and involves activities to bring greater recognition of mistreatment of older adults and highlight the need for appropriate action.

The Adult Protective Services Unit says about 79% of elder abuse goes unreported adding that the most common signs aren't always physical, but as simple as people abandoning them, not giving them the nutrition they need or not giving them easy access to health care.

"Our seniors are very valuable. They are not the forgotten population, for they have set the foundation and the groundwork for us to go by. Our seniors are very wise, therefore we must never mistreat them," said Adult Protective Service Unit Administrator, Krishmu Shipmon.

In the state of Ohio alone, over 30,000 cases of elder abuse were reported in the last fiscal year. If you need to report in instance of elder abuse, call Adult Protective Services at 330-884-6952.