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Specialized Information for:
Long-Term Care ConsumersFamily MembersAdvocates
Menu
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Specialized Information for:
Long-Term Care ConsumersFamily MembersAdvocates
June 15, 2020
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Elder abuse is widespread. Every year an estimated 1 in 10 older Americans are victims of elder abuse, neglect, or exploitation. And that’s only part of the picture: Experts believe that elder abuse is significantly under-reported, in part because so many of our communities lack the social supports that would make it easier for those who experience abuse to report it. Research suggests that as few as 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse come to the attention of authorities. When we come together, we can prevent elder abuse from happening. We can put support services in place, and direct community resources toward addressing elder abuse. There are many ways to strengthen our social supports through policies, services, and programs that keep us integrated in our communities as we age. By doing all that we can strengthen the social support structure, we can reduce social isolation, protect communities and families against elder abuse, and build a nation that lives up to our promise of justice for all. WEAAD Fact Sheet: Frequently Asked Questions about Elder Abuse |
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Consumer Voice has several resources available for preventing, identifying, and reporting abuse, neglect and exploitation:
See even more resources on Consumer Voice's Elder Abuse Issue Page |
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations (UN) launched the first World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15, 2006 in an effort to unite communities around the world in raising awareness about elder abuse. WEAAD serves as a call-to-action for our communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect, and exploitation of elders, and reaffirm our commitment to the principle of justice for all.