This June, elder abuse will be the major topic for speakers at Spectrum Generations community centers in observance of National Elder Abuse Awareness Month. Elder abuse can occur anywhere — in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socio-economic groups, cultures, and races, according to a news release. Physical abuse, neglect, emotional or psychological abuse, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, and abandonment are all considered forms of elder abuse.

The following speaker presentations are listed by date and location:

* On June 12, Gov. Paul LePage will be the Coastal Center’s Lunch and Elder Abuse speaker. His topic will be domestic violence as it relates to elder abuse. The luncheon begins at 11:15 a.m., followed by the Governor’s presentation at noon. Because of scheduling conflicts, the Governor will not stay for lunch. The Coastal Center is at 521 Main St., in Damariscotta. Luncheon reservation deadline noon on June 10. For more information, call 563-1363.

* Also on June 12, John Nale, Elder Law Attorney, will discuss elder abuse from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Muskie Center, located at 38 Gold St. in Waterville. For more information, call 873-4734.

* On June 14, Nan Bell from the Elder Abuse Taskforce, Denis Culley, Attorney with Legal Services for the Elderly and Tori Tracey of the Augusta Police will discuss abuse, neglect, financial exploitation and prevention at a Lunch and Learn being held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Cohen Center at 22 Town Farm Road in Hallowell. More information available by calling 626-7777.

* On June 17, Cathy Davis from New Dimensions Credit Union, a will discuss financial exploitation from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Muskie Center, 38 Gold St., Waterville. For more information, call 873-4734.

* Also on June 17, Seth Blodgett from the Maine Attorney General’s Office, will talk about elder abuse awareness at a brown bag lunch at 11 a.m. at the Knox Center at 61 Park St., in Rockland. For more information, call 596-0339.

* On June 19, John Hennessy, AARP associate state director, will speak at the Coastal Center’s June 19 Lunch and Aging program at the Kennedy Learning Center, Camp Kieve, Nobleboro, about the impact on elder abuse on the aging gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender population in Maine. Luncheon starts at 11:30 a.m., with program beginning at noon. Entrée is $6 per person. For more information, call 563-1363.

* On June 21, Jennifer Soper from Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union, will speak about financial abuse from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Somerset Center at 30 Leavitt St., in Skowhegan. For more information, call 338-1190.

If you or someone you know is being abused, call Adult Protective Services at 800-624-8404 — or for life-threatening situation or immediate danger, call 911 or the local police or sheriff.

Spectrum Generations is central Maine’s Area Agency on Aging and Aging and Disability Resource Center. For more information about programs and services for older and disabled adults, call 800-639-1553 or visit www.spectrumgenerations.org. Like us on Facebook.

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