interfaith partnership against
domestic violence and elder abuse
National Domestic Violence Hotline
800-799-7233 (SAFE)
National Sexual Assault Hotline
800-656-4673 (HOPE)
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
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.”
How will your faith community respond to this call-to-action on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
Interfaith Voices Against Elder Abuse
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.
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 about faith and elder abuse: “Answering the Call, Faith Leaders Respond to 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.