To raise awareness about the abuse and neglect experienced by older adults, the United Nations General Assembly in 2011 established World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
The aim to establish this day was to promote an understanding of the importance of preventing elder abuse and supporting the rights and well-being of older people.
Abuse of elders can be of many forms including physical, emotional, sexual, or financial abuse. Also, neglect and abandonment come under the abuse of elders. Due to the abuse of elderly people, globally millions are affected, and sometimes they are left vulnerable and isolated.
World Elder Abuse Awareness date:
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed annually on 15 June each year.
History:
The UNGA for the first time officially recognized and established World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on 15 June 2021. Though in 1982, at the First World Assembly on Aging, held in Vienna, the International Plan of Action was adopted.
The plan emphasized the need to protect older adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It also called upon governments and societies to address the issue of elder abuse.
Numerous global organizations and advocates began raising awareness about elder abuse and advocating for the rights and protection of older adults, it led to the establishment of an official observance dedicated to the cause.
Finally, on 19 December 2011, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to raise awareness about elder abuse and promote its prevention.
Significance:
The day not only serves as a platform to encourage individuals, organizations, and communities to take action against elder abuse but aims to raise awareness by highlighting the issue in a broader context. It also helps to educate the public about its prevalence, signs, and consequences.
Be it through education, advocacy, and supportive interventions, the day encourages communities to provide support and assistance to older adults, who may have experienced abuse, neglect, or mistreatment.
Celebrations:
Each year on 15 June, various global organizations, governments, and community groups organize events and activities to promote awareness and help elderly people.
Activities include conferences, seminars, workshops, awareness campaigns, and outreach programs, that engage the public, professionals, and policymakers in addressing elder abuse. The motto is not only safeguarding the elderly from abuse but giving them an environment where they are treated with dignity, respect, and care.
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First Published:
14 Jun 2023, 11:04 PM IST
Business NewsNewsWorldWorld Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Date, history, significance and more
