World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is observed on June 15 each year with three goals:
- increasing awareness about elder abuse (which can include neglect, financial abuse or exploitation, and physical, sexual, or emotional/psychological abuse)
- fostering action by individuals, organizations, and communities to identify, prevent, and address elder abuse
- reaffirming our society’s commitment to the principle of justice for all.
The 2023 WEAAD theme is Building Strong Support for Elders. This year, WEAAD is part of a broader observance, WEAAD Week, observed June 9 through 16.
Read on to learn what every DSS employee should know about elder abuse, what the WEAAD theme means, and ways to get more involved.
What should every DSS employee know about elder abuse?
DSS employees in any role and setting may encounter people who experience elder abuse or who engage in abusive behavior toward older adults. In addition, DSS social workers play integral roles in developing, implementing, and strengthening social supports that help prevent and address elder abuse.
Join us in empowering older people and our communities this WEAAD! Visit the WEAAD website for fact sheets about elder abuse to get you started (available in multiple languages), including:
- Red Flags of Elder Abuse
- Signs of Elder Abuse
- The Facts of Elder Abuse (long version, short version)
- 12 Things Everyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse
- 5 Things Anyone Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse
These resources and more are also available here in the "Prevention, Education, and Outreach" section.
How do I report abuse?
As a government agency employee, you are a mandated reporter. This means you're required by law to report known or suspected abuse or neglect of elder or dependent adults.
To report elder abuse or neglect, call 844-751-6729 and follow up with Form SOC 341. Or if it's not an emergency, you can report it online at ReportToAPS.org (no SOC 341 required).
How can I get more involved?
For more information on WEAAD, what this year's theme means, educational events this month, and ways to get involved, visit this NASW webpage.