World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2018 is held on June 15th and is an annual international UN observance day on the same date each year. 

Elder abuse is global and comes in many forms including physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse and also neglect.

Elderly people are particularly vulnerable to abuse and to being unable to defend themselves and get help as fear and infirmity can be major barriers to seeking and getting help, and sometimes spotting and challenging abuse in the elderly isn’t easy, some are isolated having outlived family and friends, and some are abused in institutions where abuse is not spotted or is covered up.

In many parts of the world elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. It is a global social issue which affects the health, well-being, independence and human rights of millions of older people around the world, and an issue which deserves the attention of all in the community.

According to recent surveys, prevalence rates or estimates exist only in selected developed countries – ranging from 1 to 10 per cent. Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious.

Please visit the link below to find out more about WEAAD;
www.elderabuse.org.uk