Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). It was launched on the 15th of June, 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations.

The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

In addition, WEAAD is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. WEAAD serves as a call to action for individuals, organisations, and communities to raise awareness about elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation.

In this year’s commemoration, the focus will be on providing updates regarding the implementation of key priorities aimed at combatting elder abuse. It is crucial for all to be knowledgeable as prevention plays a pivotal role in ensuring their well-being in society.

Ahead of the milestone of the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, this year’s commemoration of WEAAD has also connected with the year-long campaign to promote and recognise the 75th anniversary. The theme of the 2023 WEAAD commemoration in the United Nations Headquarters in New York is entitled ‘Closing the Circle: Addressing Gender-Based Violence in Older Age – Policy, Law and Evidence-based Responses’.