World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)
June 17, 2025
9:15 AM–12:30 PM
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated each year on June 15th to highlight one of the worst manifestations of ageism and inequality in our society, elder abuse. It is observed annually from Mother’s Day to Father’s Day. Elder abuse is any act that causes harm to an older person and is carried out by someone they know and trust, such as a family member or friend. In many parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little recognition or response. Elder abuse can be financial, emotional, physical, and sexual. It also includes people who are neglected and those who neglect themselves (self-neglect).
Elder abuse is a global social issue that affects the health, well-being, independence, and human rights of millions of older people worldwide and an issue that deserves the attention of the entire community. Social isolation, financial or emotional stress, and dementia can make a seniors vulnerable to abuse. The consequences of elder abuse are grave. According to the National Center for Elder Abuse, older adults who are abused are twice as likely to be hospitalized, four times as likely to go into nursing homes, and three times as likely to die. While studies show that 90% of abusers are family members or trusted others, abuse can happen in any setting: in the older adult’s own home or a senior living community. In 2022, it was estimated that 5 million older Americans were victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Experts believe that for every case reported, as many as 23 cases go unreported. In 2024, Harnett County Department of Social Services received 220 reports of allegations of abuse, neglect, and/or exploitation of disabled adults.
To bring local community support to this cause:
- Join Harnett County Department of Social Services on our annual WEAAD walk on Tuesday, 6/17/2025, at 9:15am in front of Harnett County DSS.
- Use social media to promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
- Wear the color purple in observance of WEAAD.
If you suspect elder abuse within your community, you can take the following steps:
- If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.
- If the danger is not imminent, report abuse to the local Adult Protective Services Unit at Harnett County Department of Social Services at 910-814-6640.
- Report abuse in a nursing home, assisted living, or board and care facility to your state licensing agency, the NC Division of Health Services Regulation at 919-855-4500.
For more information and resources, please visit https://worldelderabuseawareness.com/