Bring Awareness to Elder Abuse! June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Elder Abuse is a serious issue in our society. It should not be tolerated at all! June 15th is Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Below is an article by the Administration For Community Living that has some pretty sobering numbers and links to some helpful resources.
Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN). WEAAD aims to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is held in support of the UN International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. This observance serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
Access the latest World Elder Abuse Awareness Day campaign materials available from the USC Center on Elder Mistreatment.
Please contact the National Center on Elder Abuse at 1-855-500-3537 or ncea-info@aoa.hhs.gov with any questions.
