Elder abuse is a pattern of power and control that includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, verbal, financial, and spiritual abuse. The perpetrator can be a family member, close friend, neighbor, adult child or grandchild, caretaker, someone in a position of authority, or anyone the older adult would normally be expected to trust. Elder abuse can happen in homes, nursing homes, long-term care and assisted living facilities, and hospitals.
Every year, approximately 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Additionally, experts believe that for every reported case of elder abuse or neglect, as many as 23 cases go unreported. Elder abuse is a huge national problem and will only become more prevalent as the population of older adults continues to grow--unless we do something to stop it!
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The Administration on Aging proclaims, “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 persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”
Elder Abuse Resources
Nobody wants to think that people in our congregations and communities could be experiencing elder abuse. And we make it harder to disclose if we never acknowledge that elder abuse is an issue. This month is the perfect opportunity to speak up about elder abuse and spread awareness. Safe Havens has developed some resources to help faith leaders do just that.
Below are links for a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (also shown above) and a booklet about elder abuse designed specifically with faith communities in mind. You can publish either or both in their bulletins, on their websites, or on their social media. Click on the buttons below to download these resources.
Thank you for your help in raising awareness about elder abuse!