Thursday, June 08, 2023
On June 15th, we observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), which is a day that focuses global attention on the problem of physical, financial, and emotional abuse of older adults. With a growing global population of elderly people, and increasing longevity, abuse of the elderly is a serious problem that affects health and human rights and can cause death. It is vital to raise awareness of this issue and thus prevent it whenever and wherever possible.
WEAAD aims to provide an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect and raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year, only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to authorities’ attention. Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society, and their abuse or neglect impacts all of us. WEAAD reminds us that, we all have a critical role to play to focus attention on elder justice.
AgeGuide funds local agencies to provide the Adult Protective Services (APS) program which promotes the safety, independence, and quality of life for vulnerable adults who are, or are in danger of, being abused, neglected by self or others, or financially exploited, and who are unable to protect themselves.
Reporting Abuse
To report suspected abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation of an adult age 60 or older or a person with disabilities age 18-59 call the statewide, 24-hour Adult Protective Services Hotline: 1-866-800-1409, 1-888-206-1327 (TTY).
Learn More about Reporting Suspected Abuse
Additional Resources
AgeGuide Adult Protective Services Providers
National Center for Elder Abuse
Types of Elder Abuse and How to Recognize Abuse
Elder Abuse Brochure
