Every year an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture–experts believe that for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported. Elder abuse is an assault on human dignity, health and well-being, and can make it harder to meet goals related to diabetes self-management, cardiac health, behavioral health, and other areas.
Each year, on or around June 15, communities around the globe recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities 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.
Visit the HHS Administration on Aging’s National Center on Elder Abuse to learn more about the prevalence and impact of elder abuse, and what you can do about it. The website also includes resources on elder abuse in disparate populations, including “research to practice” briefs with practical tips on preventing and addressing elder abuse among older African-Americans; Latinos; and Asians and Pacific Islanders; and resources on elder abuse in Indian countries. We encourage you to use this information and share it with partners and providers.