World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is June 15th
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse in 2006 and recognized as a United Nations Day in 2011. 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, neglect, and exploitation.
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. In a society that values the just treatment of all people, WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us, and so it’s important to find the right solutions to it. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations, and communities to educate each other on how to identify, address, and prevent abuse.
Outreach Tools:
- Non-denominational Prayers and Messages English | Spanish
- Engaging Faith Communities on WEAAD English | Spanish
- Virtual Background
- #WEAAD615 Challenge
- Bookmark | Spanish
- Customizable Bookmark | Spanish
- Coloring Poster
- Placemats Color | Grayscale | Spanish
- Event Flyer | Spanish
- Certificate | Spanish
- Presentation Template
- Proclamation | Spanish
Take Action
We need everyone to educate each other about the impact of elder abuse and the pervasiveness of ageism in our culture. Through community outreach and statewide engagement, we can raise this social issue to a worldwide priority that must be addressed and prevented. Take action today!
Educate and Empower Your Community:
- Find or start a WEAAD event! See what events are happening in your community.
- If there aren’t any, consider starting your own, or contact your local Area Agency on Aging to see what local coalitions are doing for WEAAD.
- Ask your faith community or local community center to add information about elder abuse to their newsletters and televised events.
- Arrange presentations at local community centers, schools, assisted living facilities, or through virtual platforms.
- Distribute Scam Checklists to your community to help them stay informed and safe from scams.
Speak Out:
- Spread awareness about #WEAAD or publicize your #WEAAD plans and activities on social media.
- Search and connect with elder justice groups and organizations through the Elder Justice Network Locator Map.
Involve Youth:
- Host a virtual or mail in art, essay, or poem contest for youth focused on elder abuse prevention or ageism.
- Organize a service project for sororities, fraternities, clubs, or organizations to assist older adults in the community. Raise awareness on campus about Elder Abuse Prevention: What College Students Should Know.
- Participate in a friendly caller/visitor program or send cards and letters to nursing homes or socially isolated adults in the community.
Events
Explore the map below to find a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event near you. We want to hear about your WEAAD activities! Submit your event details.
Social Media
Join the NCEA to spread awareness of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), June 15th and help spread the word about this important cause and spark meaningful conversations about elder justice! Use #WEAAD and the tools below to raise awareness on your social media platforms.
How to participate: