World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June 2019

Elder abuse is a pervasive problem globally and is deeply rooted in cultural, social, and economic factors. There are 5 million people suffering from elder abuse and only 1 in 24 cases are reported to the authorities. Abuse can come in many forms including physical, emotional/psychological, sexual, financial, neglect and self-neglect. Victims of abuse have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to those who had not been abused.

A new global review reveals that elder abuse -- which includes psychological, physical, and sexual abuse; neglect; and financial exploitation -- is common among community-dwelling older adults and is especially prevalent among minority older adults. Older adults with cognitive and physical impairments or psychosocial distress are also at increased risk of elder abuse.

This year, We are all invited to join organizations and communities across the country in using the collection of special Lifting up Voices outreach and campaign tools (including an action guide with sample social media posts and graphics), incorporating the Lifting up Voices theme in your community.

Tomorrow’s(15 June 2019) observation of #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay 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. How can you help? One way of stopping elder abuse is by creating more awareness about this devastating issue, you can also report suspected elder abuse or neglect to the nearby police posts #EndAbuse #SupportElders #StandforElders #HumanityandInclusivity #Living #HumanRights  #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay