World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
What is Elder Abuse Awareness Day?
The International Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) first designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness day (WEAAD) in 2006. Since then, people all over the world take part on WEAAD to raise awareness about the abuse and discrimination older people face.
The World Health Organization (WHO) defines elder abuse 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.” According to the WHO, an estimated 1 in 6 seniors are victims of abuse globally and according to the Government of Alberta, 1 in 10 senior Albertans may be victims of abuse. Since elder abuse is usually committed by people the victims are close to such as family, friends, and caregivers, it is estimated to be underreported.
Forms of Elder Abuse
Elder abuse is deeply rooted in negative perceptions of older adults and ageism. Seniors may be more at risk depending on their physical and mental health, and their financial situation. The most common forms of elder abuse can be categorized as:
Financial: misuse of an older adults money or property
Emotional/Psychological: this includes willful verbal abuse and any other behaviors which cause emotional and psychological distress in the victim
Physical: using physical force on someone which can result in pain or injury
Sexual: non-consensual sexual contact
Neglect: failure to provide or depriving the necessities of life (ex. Food, shelter, medical care, social contact)
Violation of Rights and Freedoms: interference of an older adult to make choices for themselves
Systemic Abuse: Rules that are discriminatory towards older people.
According to the Government of Alberta the most reported types of abuse are financial and psychological.
What are the Signs?
It may not be clear to recognize when someone is experiencing abuse. There are complex relationship dynamics which may affect each individual differently depending on their situation. Older adults may also deny any abuse towards them which may be attributed to their upbringing, misunderstanding of what abuse is, shame, fear of abandonment and being judged by others, and self-blame.
According to the Government of Alberta, here are common signs to watch out for
Behavioral changes (such as confusion, depression, or anxiety)
Unexplained injuries
Changes in hygiene
Seemingly fearful around certain people
Fear or worry when talking about money
What you can do
Show your support help bring awareness of ageism and elder abuse by wearing purple on June 15! Now is also the perfect time to educate yourself and others on aging, and the stigma of growing old. Older people in our community deserve to have a good quality of life without any abuse.
Anyone who is being abused and in imminent danger should contact the police by dialing 911. You can also contact the Family Violence info line: 310-1818 or talk to someone you trust.
On June 15, Green Acres Foundation staff will show their support by wearing purple and spreading information and spreading the word to other’s in our community about the importance of protecting our elders.
References:
Government of Alberta, Facts on Elder Abuse: https://open.alberta.ca/dataset/cef393a1-6e99-4829-bf2a-a57e1c3b6c7f/resource/5e4dccbc-8e7c-4e00-acec-556322899ba6/download/25164-elder-abuse-fact-sheet-english.pdf
Canadian Network for Prevention of Elder Abuse: https://www.cnpea.ca/en/
Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Council: https://www.albertaelderabuse.ca/weaad
World Health Organization:
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/abuse-of-older-people
https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day/background
https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day