Tuesday, June 11, 2024
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. WEAAD was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations. With a growing global population of older adults, and increasing longevity, abuse of older adults is a serious problem that affects health and human rights. It is vital to raise awareness of this issue and thus prevent it whenever and wherever possible.
The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults by raising 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.
AgeGuide’s WEAAD Walk
This month, AgeGuide staff wore purple and walked in support of WEAAD. Every year, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization encourage communities to walk in support of the movement to raise awareness.
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
