World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Author

Seth Combs
June 13, 2024

If you’ve been a victim or know a victim, please contact us for support and assistance in reporting the crime.

Coming Together To Protect Elders

June 15th is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It’s a day we should all come together to educate ourselves and our loved ones about elder abuse.

I co-founded Senior Scam Alerts to educate on the growing segment of scams targeting the elderly. Scams are a small segment of elder abuse. This week, I want to give you an overview of the other areas of elder abuse to keep you informed.

Together, we can combat scammers and those who prey upon senior citizens. Please share this email with any loved ones you know who are over 60.

One last thing before we discuss World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. I want to announce the launch of our podcast. Each week, we’ll discuss our weekly topic, answer questions, and interview experts and victims. Click below to listen to Episode 1 - Medicare Fraud Prevention Week.

Stay safe out there,

Quick Overview

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

The International Network and the World Health Organization at the United Nations launched World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Through WEAAD, we raise awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation.

As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year with only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse reported to authorities’ attention. Elder abuse can be defined as “a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person”.

7 Types of Elder Abuse

According to WEAAD, here are the seven most common forms of elder abuse:

  1. Physical Abuse – The use of physical force that may result in bodily injury, physical pain, or impairment; or any physical injury to an adult caused by other than accidental means.

  2. Neglect by Others – Failure to provide the basic care, or services necessary to maintain the health and safety of an adult: this failure can be active or passive.

  3. Sexual Abuse – Sexual contact with a non-consenting adult or with an adult considered incapable of consenting to a sexual act.

  4. Financial Abuse – The illegal or unethical exploitation and/or use of an elder’s funds, property, or other assets.

  5. Mental Abuse – Verbal or emotional abuse includes threatening significant physical harm or threatening or causing significant emotional harm to an adult, which includes derogatory or inappropriate names, insults, verbal assaults, profanity, or ridicule; or harassment, coercion, threats, intimidation, humiliation, mental cruelty, or inappropriate sexual comments.

  6. Abandonment – the desertion or willful forsaking by anyone having responsibility for care.

  7. Isolation – Preventing the individual from receiving mail, telephone calls, or visitors.

Signs of Elder Abuse

Physical signs may include:

  • cuts, scratches, or puncture wounds

  • burns

  • bruises

  • welts

  • dehydration or malnutrition

  • poor coloration

  • sunken eyes or cheeks

  • soiled clothing or bedding

  • lack of necessities such as food, water, or utilities

Behavioral signs may include:

  • fear or anxiety

  • agitation

  • anger

  • isolation

  • withdrawal

  • depression

  • resignation

  • ambivalence

  • contradictory statements

  • implausible stories

  • hesitation to talk openly

  • confusion or disorientation

The National Center for Elder Abuse provides the following to help you spot the signs of elder abuse:

How to Report Elder Abuse

Below, you will find a list of phone numbers and sites where you can report elder abuse and get support.

By Phone

  • Elder Abuse Hotline 24-hour: 1-800-962-2873 TDD: 1-800-453-5145

  • Domestic Violence Hotline 24-hour: 1-800-500-1119

  • Elder Helpline: 1-800-963-5337 TDD: 1-800-955-8771

  • Fraud Hotline: 1-800-378-0445

  • National Fraud Information Center: 1-800-876-7060

Sites