Beyond Awareness: Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Every day is the best day to raise awareness of elder abuse, but the United Nations has set aside a single day as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This year’s theme is Beyond Awareness, focusing on a more holistic approach to addressing not only the abuse, but conditions that lead to abuse and policies that could change the long-term care facility landscape. Working alongside the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations will celebrate this day of awareness on June 15. Here are some ways you can participate in this incredibly important day.
Why Do We Need Awareness?
Put simply, awareness is one of the best ways to enact change. When you are aware of a problem, it’s easier to spot it, report it, and protect those who are vulnerable. It is predicted that “between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world.”
This potential overload of an already struggling system means we need to be working now to solve problems that could be devastating then. Additionally, there are some simple changes that can be made almost immediately that would improve conditions. So with more awareness, those small changes can start as we work towards larger changes in policy and law.
“Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious.”
Beyond Awareness
The first Elder Abuse Awareness day was held in 2006 and has since grown to become an international collaborative effort 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, neglect, and exploitation.” This definition from the National Center on Elder Abuse is the foundation of an action plan.
How You Can Participate
Being a part of the movement does not have to be complicated. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of nursing home residents.
Post to Social Media. Our hyper-connected world means you can share vital information and spread awareness far and wide with social media. Write up a post and share to any platform on Elder Abuse Awareness day or any day the week before and after. View the National Center on Elder Abuse page for more information and graphics. Use #WEAAD so followers and friends know where to find more information.
Share Your Story. Unfortunately, cases of abuse feel distant and irrelevant. Many don’t believe it can happen to them. Sharing your story means you are providing valuable lived experience that everyone can learn from.
Write Your Representative. It only takes an email, hand-written note, or phone call to bring awareness to those in government who have the power to enact legislative change. Don’t be afraid to make your voice heard and let your representatives know that this is an issue that matters. Share statistics
Attend an Event. Events are happening all across the United States and beyond. At these events there will be keynote addresses, industry professionals, and advocates. Join the community and find an event near you to get involved and show your support for victims and their families. Some topics that will be covered at these events include addressing sexual abuse, staying scam aware, aging safely, and more!
Take the Movement Challenge. It’s never too late to join the movement challenge because “every move and every minute is an opportunity to stand for elder justice.” This is a challenge that asks you to log your movements of all kinds and join a community united against elder abuse. Use #Move4WEAAD on any posts you make and talk about the challenge to spread awareness!
Thank You for Raising Awareness
Ending elder abuse is truly a community effort. Securing a safe future for generations to come will take effort today from advocates just like you. Help us raise awareness and go beyond knowledge to bring greater change in the form of legislation, community cohesion, and industry policy. Together we can improve nursing home conditions and stop abuse before it has a chance to happen.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, call Gharibian Law (877-460-1187) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.
Beyond Awareness: Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Beyond Awareness: Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Every day is the best day to raise awareness of elder abuse, but the United Nations has set aside a single day as Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This year’s theme is Beyond Awareness, focusing on a more holistic approach to addressing not only the abuse, but conditions that lead to abuse and policies that could change the long-term care facility landscape. Working alongside the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the United Nations will celebrate this day of awareness on June 15. Here are some ways you can participate in this incredibly important day.
Why Do We Need Awareness?
Put simply, awareness is one of the best ways to enact change. When you are aware of a problem, it’s easier to spot it, report it, and protect those who are vulnerable. It is predicted that “between 2019 and 2030, the number of persons aged 60 years or over is projected to grow by 38%, from 1 billion to 1.4 billion, globally outnumbering youth, and this increase will be the greatest and the most rapid in the developing world.”
This potential overload of an already struggling system means we need to be working now to solve problems that could be devastating then. Additionally, there are some simple changes that can be made almost immediately that would improve conditions. So with more awareness, those small changes can start as we work towards larger changes in policy and law.
“Although the extent of elder mistreatment is unknown, its social and moral significance is obvious.”
Beyond Awareness
The first Elder Abuse Awareness day was held in 2006 and has since grown to become an international collaborative effort 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, neglect, and exploitation.” This definition from the National Center on Elder Abuse is the foundation of an action plan.
How You Can Participate
Being a part of the movement does not have to be complicated. Even the smallest action can make a huge difference in the lives of thousands of nursing home residents.
Post to Social Media. Our hyper-connected world means you can share vital information and spread awareness far and wide with social media. Write up a post and share to any platform on Elder Abuse Awareness day or any day the week before and after. View the National Center on Elder Abuse page for more information and graphics. Use #WEAAD so followers and friends know where to find more information.
Share Your Story. Unfortunately, cases of abuse feel distant and irrelevant. Many don’t believe it can happen to them. Sharing your story means you are providing valuable lived experience that everyone can learn from.
Write Your Representative. It only takes an email, hand-written note, or phone call to bring awareness to those in government who have the power to enact legislative change. Don’t be afraid to make your voice heard and let your representatives know that this is an issue that matters. Share statistics
Attend an Event. Events are happening all across the United States and beyond. At these events there will be keynote addresses, industry professionals, and advocates. Join the community and find an event near you to get involved and show your support for victims and their families. Some topics that will be covered at these events include addressing sexual abuse, staying scam aware, aging safely, and more!
Take the Movement Challenge. It’s never too late to join the movement challenge because “every move and every minute is an opportunity to stand for elder justice.” This is a challenge that asks you to log your movements of all kinds and join a community united against elder abuse. Use #Move4WEAAD on any posts you make and talk about the challenge to spread awareness!
Thank You for Raising Awareness
Ending elder abuse is truly a community effort. Securing a safe future for generations to come will take effort today from advocates just like you. Help us raise awareness and go beyond knowledge to bring greater change in the form of legislation, community cohesion, and industry policy. Together we can improve nursing home conditions and stop abuse before it has a chance to happen.
If you or a loved one have been the victim of elder abuse or nursing home neglect, call Gharibian Law (877-460-1187) for a FREE consultation and the best legal representation.