World Elder Abuse Awareness Day [June 15]

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15 every year to highlight the increasing cases of elder abuse and take action against them. Elder abuse is a growing concern in the world that requires the attention of appropriate authorities. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day brings this issue to the foreground and demands action.

According to a report by the United Nations, 1 in 6 old people face some sort of abuse in their old age. This is why it is important to raise awareness about elder abuse. Find out more about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, its significance, theme, and history here.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations together launched World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2006. In the current day and age, elder abuse is getting more and more common. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day raises concern about this and prompts world organizations to take action.

Besides raising awareness, this day is also about calling out abusers. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gives people the courage and hopes to demand action against abusers.

We have shared further details about World Elder Abuse Awareness Day below.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: What is Elder Abuse?

Despite its wide prevalence, elder abuse often gets unnoticed and underreported. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is about educating people about the kind of abuse older people can face from biased individuals. Elder abuse can refer to any of the following.

• Physical abuse: It may involve hitting or hurting the person, causing physical injuries or bruises.
• Sexual abuse: It may involve violating the person sexually.
• Financial abuse: It may involve cheating, fraud, or theft of money from the person.
• Mental abuse: It may involve verbally abusing the person or putting them in situations that cause them great distress.

Causes of Elder Abuse

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, it is also important to understand the causes of elder abuse. Some of the causes can be the following.

• Selfish interest or greed of the perpetrator
• Criminal intent
• Personal bias or prejudice

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 Theme

Every year, a new World Elder Abuse Awareness Day theme is announced. Since this day aims to make people more aware of the atrocities faced by many old people, the theme of the day aims to convey the same message. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced by the organizers.

Here are some of the old World Elder Abuse Awareness Day themes.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day History

The history of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day can be traced to 2006 when the day was officially established. The United Nations supports this day and encourages every UN member state to observe this day annually on June 15. Here is more information about the history and origin of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

• The United Nations General Assembly established WEAAD through Resolution 66/127.
• Over the years, many countries from around the world have participated in the annual celebration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
• The celebration of this day has led to the establishment of better facilities and safer institutions for aged people.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Significance

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is a significant occasion because it makes the voices of countless victims of elder abuse heard. Here are some of the reasons why it is important to observe WEAAD.

• It offers the victims of elder abuse the opportunity to come forward and tell their stories.
• It demands justice for the victims of elder abuse.
• It demands better care facilities and protection for older people.
• It highlights the flaws in society and encourages people to do better.

How to Celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?

People celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in many different ways. Many countries around the world observe this day and conduct various events to raise concerns about elder abuse. Here are some of the things people can do to participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

• Join educational events that discuss the problem and solution of elder abuse.
• Donating to organizations that support elders in distress.
• Participate in online and offline campaigns on elder abuse awareness.

FAQs on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Q1. When is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrated?

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is celebrated on June 15 every year. This day was established by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization in 2006 to highlight the increasing cases of elder abuse and take action against it.

Q2. What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 theme?

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023 theme is yet to be announced by the organizers, the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, and the World Health Organization. Every year, a new World Elder Abuse Awareness Day theme is announced.

Q3. Why is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrated?

We celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to highlight the growing number of elder abuse cases. The aim of the day is to prompt authorities and governments to take action against abusers and ensure security and community care for older people.

Q4. What was the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2022 theme?

The theme of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2022 was “Combating Elder Abuse”. The WHO and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse announce a new theme on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day every year.

Q5. Who started World Elder Abuse Awareness Day?

The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization together started World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in 2006. The aim of this day is to address the concern regarding increasing cases of elder abuse and taking action against it.

Q6. How is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day celebrated?

Every year on June 15, individuals and organizations from around the world celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Here is how people celebrate this day.

• Join educational events that discuss the problem and solution of elder abuse.
• Participate in online and offline campaigns on elder abuse awareness.
• Donating to organizations that support elders in distress.