World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
How will your faith community respond to this call-to-action on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
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.”
Infographic for WEAAD
Start by checking out our infographic with engaging facts, figures, and recommendations regarding elder abuse and what you and your faith community can do.
Take Action in June!
Throughout the month, use the hashtags #WEAADandFaith and #WEAAD to Tweet @SafeHavens1 and show that faith communities stand up against elder abuse.
How can your faith community take on elder abuse? Explore this resource for some detailed ideas.
Social isolation is one of the key elements of elder abuse. Visit an older adult in your life and see how they’re doing!
Read these articles about faith and elder abuse:
Send a letter to your local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.
Learn about Safe Havens' work on elder abuse and faith. We have resources for faith leaders and communities, advocates and service providers, and groups partnering to address faith and safety.
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
Learn about the advocacy and education efforts of this organization working to improve victim safety, increase abuser accountability, and end elder abuse.
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
Explore this resource for policy makers, social service and health care practitioners, researchers, advocates and families directed by the U.S. Administration on Aging.
Administration for Community Living
Find detailed tips and toolkits for how to do outreach and spread the word about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Check out these videos and join the rally cry to unite all generations in the fight against elder abuse.
