Background

June 15^th is designated as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This designation was initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006 and recognized as a United Nations Day by the General Assembly and adopted in 2011.

Abuse of older persons can be a single act, or absence of an appropriate act when there is an expectation of trust within a relationship, and which causes harm or distress to the older person. Elder abuse is a global social issue affecting the Health and Human Rights of millions of older adults, worldwide, necessitating the attention of the international community.

In many countries and parts of the world, elder abuse occurs with little or no recognition or response. Generally, hidden from public view, elder abuse is considered a private matter. Today, recognition and response to elder abuse continue to be taboo in some parts of the world.

Prevalence rates or estimates exist only in select developed countries and range from 1 percent to 10 percent of the older adult population, though the true extent is unknown. This number is acknowledged as an underestimation because in studies of 28 countries 15.7 percent of persons 60 years or older were subject to some form of abuse, while only one in twenty four cases are reported.

In the United States, approximately one in ten older adults are abused and/or neglected each year and only one in fourteen cases every come to the attention of authorities.

WEEAD 2024

This year the United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs is highlighting Older Adults in Emergencies as its theme. According to the United Nations, all emergencies, whether natural disasters, pandemics or conflicts disproportionately impact older adults and exacerbate existing vulnerabilities. The stress and chaos of emergencies can also increase the incidence of abuse whether physical, emotional, financial or neglect. WEAAD encourages all countries to prioritize the safety and well-being of older adults in emergency preparedness and response strategies to ensure older persons are not overlooked during a crisis.

CALIFORNIA

The California Legislature has designated the entire month of June in 2024 and all years going forward as Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Awareness Month. The designation of an entire month of awareness is appropriate for California due to the projected growth of the over 60 population. The over 60 population increased 166% between 2010 and 2016. In addition, half of California counties are expecting a 100% increase in the 60+ age group. The expansion of the 60+ population is expected to be paralleled by an increase in abuse of older adults, including physical, psychological, sexual, and financial abuse.

In 2019 Governor Newsom, by Executive Order, created the California Master Plan on Aging. Among other elements, the Plan includes a section titled Inclusion and Equity, Not Isolation. This section resulted in the establishment of the California Elder Justice Coordinating Council, which brings together stakeholders to strengthen the system of services for older adults experiencing abuse. WEAVE participates in meetings of the Council and contributes its experiences, challenges and successes  to the Council as it develops strategies for implementing the promise of Inclusion and Equity, Not Isolation.

WEAVE

The California Department of Social Services recognizes Elder Abuse Awareness Day and Month with an event including recognition, speakers to which stakeholders are invited. In 2023 WEAVE was recognized as the only crisis center to expand its services to include older adults and other persons.

Since 2022, WEAVE’s Elder Abuse services have expanded, and the population served has grown. The Elder Abuse Specialist is active with Adult Protective Services, The Elder Justice Coordinating Council, the California Elder Justice Coalition, and serves as a Commissioner on the Sacramento County Committee on Aging. WEAVE continues to explore strategies and avenues to reach older adults experiencing abuse and offer WEAVE’s services to the older adult population. With enhanced awareness of the multi-faceted elements that engender older adult abuse, WEAVE is evaluating new methods of addressing older adult abuse to meet the needs of the population served.

WEAVE will be attending the WEAAD and California Elder Abuse Awareness events in 2024 as a strong advocate for prevention and intervention in situations involving abuse of older adults.