Find
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Events in your area!
WEAAD Resources:
You can take action to protect yourself and your loved ones from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Let's stop elder abuse together!
Did you know that every day
10,000 people turn 65 in the US alone? That trend is going to continue for nearly the next 20 years. Our demographics are shifting, and we will soon have more elder people in the US than ever before. At the same time that the population is growing, we know that a startling number of elders face abusive conditions. Every year an estimated
5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported; as many as
23.5 cases go unreported.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) serves as a call-to- action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD is in support of the UN’s International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
What is Elder Abuse?
Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a caregiver or trusted individual that causes harm to a vulnerable elder. Elder abuse takes many forms, including:
- Neglect
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Financial abuse and exploitation
- Emotional or psychological abuse and neglect (including verbal abuse and threats)
- Abandonment
- Self-neglect
Who is at risk?
Elder abuse can occur anywhere - in the home, in nursing homes, or other institutions. It affects seniors across all socioeconomic groups, cultures, and races.
What should I do if I suspect Elder Abuse?
REPORT YOUR CONCERNS.
REMEMBER: Most cases of elder abuse go undetected. Don't assume that someone has already reported a suspicious situation. In cases of immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, you can call Eldercare Locator at 1-800- 677-1116 to be connected to your local reporting agency. For more information on agencies that can help, visit: www.ncea.aoa.gov and click on Get Help, or call: 1-855-500-3537 (ELDR).
PLAN! Talk with family members, friends, and professionals that you trust and plan for your future.
BE CAUTIOUS! Unscrupulous people target seniors and will abuse or take advantage of them.
STAY CONNECTED! Keep in touch regularly with others, isolation can make you vulnerable to abuse.
REPORT! Making a report in instances of abuse or neglect is the right thing to do, and it's easy.
DON'T BE AFRAID! Elders have a right to be safe!
