Did you know that June 15th is marked as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)? The purpose of WEAAD is to promote elder abuse awareness and the devastating consequences of elder exploitation. Our last two blogs discussed how elder abuse is carried out and the consequences of elder abuse. Now, we wish to delve into the significance of Elder Abuse Awareness and explore ways to combat this distressing problem affecting our senior population.
How did World Elder Abuse Awareness Day come about?
WEAAD originated from a resolution passed by the United Nations General Assembly on December 16, 2011. The resolution established June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, with the aim of promoting awareness and understanding of the issue of elder abuse across the globe. The resolution recognized that elder abuse is a widespread problem that affects the health, well-being, and human rights of millions of older persons around the world. It acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about the various forms of elder abuse, such as physical, psychological, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment.
The establishment of WEAAD was driven by the need to mobilize global action to address this growing concern.
It sought to bring together governments, organizations, communities, and individuals to create a united front against elder abuse and to promote the rights and dignity of older persons. It serves as a platform to educate the public, policymakers, and professionals about the signs of elder abuse, the importance of prevention, and the measures that can be taken to support and protect older adults from abuse. Through various awareness campaigns, events, and initiatives held on this day, the goal is to foster a society that values and respects its older members, ensuring their safety, well-being, and inclusion in all aspects of life.
To combat elder abuse effectively, it is crucial to promote awareness and encourage action at various levels. On an individual, communal, or even organizational level, people can take action to participate in the fight against elder abuse. From organizing local events and educational campaigns to supporting advocacy groups, there are many ways you can contribute to this cause.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and addressing elder abuse.
By spreading awareness, advocating for change, and taking concrete actions, we can protect our senior citizens and create a society that respects and values its elderly population. Let us come together on June 15th and beyond to shine a light on elder abuse and work towards its eradication, ensuring a safer and more compassionate world for our seniors.
The experienced team of attorneys here at Hemness Faller, The Law Office formerly known as Emma Hemness, P.A., are here for you and your family and we want to be YOUR estate planning and elder law attorneys. After all, we are ordinary people, providing extraordinary guidance backed by years of experience and advocacy for the vulnerable citizens in our community. We encourage you to contact us and schedule a meeting.
