To the editor:

During fiscal year 2009, Virginia Adult Protective Services investigated more than 15,600 reports of adult abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Fifty-nine percent of these reports were substantiated.

During May, in recognition of Adult Abuse Prevention Month, many agencies are conducting a campaign to inform our community about the abuse of vulnerable adults. We hope to bring the tragedy of adult abuse to the attention of our community.

There are many forms of adult abuse, including physical and mental abuse, neglect and self-neglect and financial exploitation. Abuse of elderly and disabled adults occurs in families and communities of all social, economic and racial backgrounds.

In Virginia, APS investigates reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation and can arrange for a wide variety of services to stop the abuse and prevent further mistreatment.

If you or someone you know is being abused, neglected or exploited, call the local department of social services or the 24-hour, toll-free APS hotline at 1-888-832-3858.

Guinelle Trower-Koonce

Suffolk