“Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, or exploited. Older Americans lose an estimated $2.6 billion or more annually due to elder financial abuse and exploitation, funds that could be used to pay for basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care. Unfortunately, it occurs in every demographic and can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, even you. It is estimated that only one in five of these crimes are discovered.”

“World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched on June 15, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN). WEAAD aims 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 held in support of the UN International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. This observance serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.”

Source:  https://www.acl.gov/news-and-events/events-and-observances/world-elder-abuse-awareness-day

Click on the following link to learn more about “How To Answer Those Tough Questions About Elder Abuse.”

http://eldermistreatment.usc.edu/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/WEAAD_Factsheet_HowToAnswerQs_508web.pdf

To make a referral to The Heritage Area Agency on Aging’s “Elder Abuse Prevention and Awareness Program,” please contact 800-332-5934.