Washington State Alliance for Retired Americans

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, or WEAAD, an annual initiative launched on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization. In 2011, the United Nations General Assembly designated that date as a day in which the entire world voices its opposition to any form of abuse of the older generation.

This year’s theme is Access to Justice. COVID-19 highlighted distressing reports of abuse and neglect of older persons in long-term care institutions and in the community where the majority of older persons live. Older persons who have experienced situations of violence, abuse and neglect face multiple barriers in accessing judicial remedies such as issues of accessibility, affordability, excessive delays and backlogs in judicial processes, impact of digitalization, gender bias, discrimination, and entrenched ageism in policy, norms and practices. Access to justice is a fundamental right in itself and an essential prerequisite for the protection and promotion of all human rights.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a day to make sure we remain focused on our elders, ensuring they lead a life of high quality and dignity.

If you believe that you or someone you know is a victim of elder or vulnerable adult abuse, please contact DSHS at 1-866-END-HARM (1-866-363-4276) or visit www.dshs.wa.gov/altsa/reportadultabuse. If you believe a crime has occurred or somebody is in immediate danger, call 911.