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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

Every year, approximately 5 million, or 1 in 10, older Americans experience 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 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.

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The 2024 National Weekend of Prayer and Action for Elder Justice is June 7 to 9.

Learn how your community can raise awareness about elder abuse and

support those who are experiencing abuse.

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Engaging Faith Communities on 
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Faith communities can play a critical role in breaking the silence around elder abuse and supporting older adults who may be experiencing abuse.

 

Did you know that:

  • up to 89% of older adults are actively involved in faith communities, and many faith communities are deeply engaged in the lives of their congregants?

  • in some communities, faith is particularly central and vibrant, and faith leaders are deeply trusted?

  • faith communities can play a vital role in recognizing possible abuse, discussing suspect abuse with congregants, and providing them with information, support, and spiritual guidance?

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Safe Havens, in partnership with NCEA, has plenty of suggestions to help faith communities break the silence and raise awareness on elder abuse for WEAAD. Read on to learn how you and your community can support WEAAD.

 

How will your faith community respond to this call-to-action on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?

The National Weekend of Prayer and
Action for Elder Justice is held annually the weekend before World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15th. The weekend, held this year on June 6 - 8, 2025, provides an opportunity to raise awareness about elder abuse using non-denominational prayers and messages as well as a time to engage and encourage faith leaders
and communities to promote justice for everyone as we all age.

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Other Ways to Take Action this WEAAD!

  • Stay up-to-date on all things WEAAD at the WEAAD Microsite created by NCEA.

  • Social isolation is one of the key elements of elder abuse. Visit an older adult in your life and see how they're doing!

  • Participate in the Finish the Sentence campaign and tell us how you think people of all ages can

  • advance elder justice.

  • Attend a virtual or in-person WEAAD event.

  • Promote WEAAD by including WEAAD information in newsletters, websites, and social media. Use hashtags #WEAADandFaith and #WEAAD and tag @SafeHavens1and @NCEAatUSC to share how faith communities stand up to elder abuse.

Recieving a Letter

More Resources about WEAAD and Elder Abuse

Praying Hands

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Interfaith Voices Against Elder Abuse

Safe Havens and Elder Abuse

Learn about Safe Havens' work on elder abuse and faith. We have resources for faith leaders and communities, 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, older adults, and families directed by the U.S. Administration on Aging.

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