Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEEAD) is celebrated around the world. WEEAD is a United Nations internationally recognised day which seeks to prevent elder abuse incidents by giving targeted information and encouraging community participation on a broad scale. It encourages the community to work together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older people wherever they live, and to highlight the need for appropriate action. Elder abuse is a global social issue that affects the health and human rights of millions of senior people around the world.
WEEAD encourages the community to work together to bring greater recognition of the mistreatment of older people and to highlight the need for appropriate action
Fraud and Maltreatment Big Risks to our Senior Citizens
The global population of people aged 60 years and older is expected to double from 542 million in 1995 to around 1.2 billion in 2025. Of the entire elder population, around 4-6% will have experienced some form of maltreatment at home. This percentage is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations. Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.
According to the United Nations website, elder abuse is defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”. It can take various forms such as “physical, psychological or emotional, sexual and financial abuse” and can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.
To learn more about WEEAD and how you can get involved to raise awareness on elder abuse, visit the United Nations website.
If you are concerned about an elder abuse situation, visit the Elder Abuse Prevention Unit website or call the helpline on 1300 651 192.
Think someone you know is being abused? Our private investigators have used handwriting analysis, evidence gathering and surveillance in suspected evidence abuse cases. You can give us a call on 1300 438 776 to discuss your case. Privacy and discretion guaranteed.
