June 15 is known as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Locally, Vera House in Syracuse launched its annual Elder Abuse Conference with a series of webinars over the next few weeks to highlight the issue.

Elder abuse is happening all around us in our communities and many of us don't even realize it. Officials at Vera House said locally, only one in every 35 cases of abuse in later life are being reported to authorities.

June 15 is a day to recognize the abuse is happening around the world and to bring it up in conversation. Vera House is encouraging seniors and their loved ones to participate in their virtual Elder Abuse Conference, which takes place through June 28.

There are a series of nine webinars scheduled to take place. Seniors can learn about available protection services, housing rights and avoiding financial fraud.

"We're all aging, it's something that's happening to us all. So, I think regardless of where we are at in that particular path, being aware of what's out there, what supports are out there, how we can help the people that we love, age with dignity and with justice, I think is just a really beneficial thing for our entire community," said Abuse in Later Life Prevention and Outreach Coordinator Loren Ulrich.

Ulrich said financial exploitation is actually the most common form of elder abuse. This is the second year in a row Vera House is spreading the conference out and hosting virtual webinars.

It is hopeful they will do an in-person one-day conference next year. The sessions are all free ​and have been scheduled around lunchtime to make it most convenient for people to view.

You can find and register for the webinars on Vera House's website by clicking the 'Prevention and Education tab.'