PEABODY — As the saying goes, the best defense is a good offense.
That's the idea behind the May 14 Triad conference for seniors at the Torigian Life Center.
Sponsored by Essex County Sheriff Frank Cousins Jr. and District Attorney Jonathan Blodgett, the third annual event is billed as a way to protect this vulnerable population from abuse and financial exploitation.
The pair adopted Triad, a nationally recognized community initiative for seniors, in 2001, and the program has since expanded to 31 of the county's 34 communities, said Sheriff's Department Capt. Jason Ebacher, organizer of the conference.
This year's conference will bring a slate of nine speakers, including state Secretary of Elder Affairs Michael Festa. The agency's Jonathan Fielding, a regional manager of protective services, will talk to seniors about the risk of financial exploitation by phone, e-mail and at their homes.
"It's out there all the time," Ebacher said. "If I know I'm getting (e-mail scams) at my Sheriff's Department address, I know these seniors are getting it, as well."
Dottie Davies of Greater Lynn Senior Services and Cheryl Watson of the district attorney's office will speak about senior abuse. It's a topic that comes up regularly at area Triad councils, Ebacher said.
"The key to Triad is empowering seniors to get involved," he said.
At the conference, seniors can also ask questions of the experts during the conference, said Paul Fleming, a spokesman for the Sheriff's Department.
"It literally helps seniors protect themselves," he said.
Space is still available for the free conference, which runs from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The conference is open to directors and representatives of councils on aging, police departments and seniors in Essex County who are participating in Triad activities or are interested in learning more about the Triad program.
For entertainment at lunch, Peabody High's chorus will sing and organizers will have a raffle. Ebacher has also booked nine vendors to exhibit during the conference.
For more information, call Ebacher at 978-750-1900, ext. 3322.
