World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized on June 15th as a day to promote preventing abuse and neglect of elders. One of the most prevalent types of elder abuse is financial exploitation.

WHAT IS ELDER ABUSE?

Elder abuse refers to intentional or negligent acts by a “trusted” individual that causes (or potentially causes) harm to an older person.

WHY DOES ELDER ABUSE OCCUR?

Elder abuse is more common than we think. Signs of Elder Abuse Elder abuse can include neglect, physical, emotional, financial, or sexual abuse. It is up to all of us to prevent and report suspected abuse. Here are some helpful resources about elder abuse that everyone should know.

• Facts About Elder Abuse (PDF)
• Signs of Elder Abuse (PDF)
  

WHAT SHOULD WE DO IF WE SUSPECT ELDER ABUSE?

Report concerns. Here are 5 things everyone can do to build community support and prevent elder abuse.

1. Learn the signs of elder abuse and how we can solve the issue together.
2. Prevent isolation. Call or visit our older loved ones and ask how they are doing on a regular basis.
3. Talk to friends and family members about how we can all age well and reduce abuse with programs and services like law enforcement, community centers, and public transportation.
4. Sign up to be a friendly visitor to an older person in our communities.
5. Send a letter to a local paper, radio or TV station suggesting that they cover World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15) or Grandparents Day in September. It is up to all of us to prevent and address elder abuse!

• 5 Things Everyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse (PDF)
• Protect our Communities from Scams (PDF)

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 purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older people by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

For more information on elder abuse prevention, please visit us online or call: ncea.acl.gov | 855-500-3537

Referral Sources: To report suspected elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation in Georgia:

• Georgia Adult Protective Services
• Georgia Division of Aging Services, Elder Rights & Advocacy Programs
• 866-552-4464 (Central Access and Long Term Care Ombudsman)
• 888-774-0152 (for suspected elder mistreatment in the home)
• 404-657-5250 (for suspected elder mistreatment in the home, Metro-Atlanta area)
• 800-878-6442 (for suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities)
• 404-657-5728 (for suspected elder mistreatment in long-term care facilities, Metro-Atlanta area)