Elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation happen to hundreds of thousands of older persons every year. And it is estimated that elders in the U.S. lose over $2 billion annually due to financial abuse and exploitation - money that could have been used to pay for their basic needs. Yet only about 1 in 5 elder abuse crimes are ever discovered. Who are the victims? They are found in every demographic. Elder abuse can happen to anyone—a family member, a neighbor, a friend.
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. The goal is to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes involved.
WEAAD supports of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.
The National Center on Elder Abuse website has resources and publications on elder abuse.
