World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)?
June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated every June 15th to provide an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults.  WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us.  It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to learn how to identify, address, and prevent elder abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as they age. 

This year, the theme for WEAAD is Building Strong Support for Elders.  Take action today to prevent and address elder abuse and neglect by:

• Engaging Older People.
• Empower Communities.
• Speak Out!
• Involve Youth.

Governor's Proclamation

How can I participate?

• Help show your Support for Missouri’s Seniors by visiting the online store . It features shirts, hats, cups, and bags that can be purchased using credit or debit cards. Items can be shipped directly to your home via USPS.
• Promote WEAAD on social media: SOCIAL MEDIA | USC Center for Elder Justice
• Access more outreach tools here: Tools and Tips | USC Center for Elder Justice

Upcoming WEAAD Events & Webinars

DHSS is excited to raise awareness with our partners in the aging community!

• June 6-8 - National Weekend of Prayer and Action for Elder Justice
• June 11 - Walk For WEADD on the Greenway in Jefferson City, time 11 am
• June 14 - Tune in for a WEAAD Facebook Premier Event at 11 am - more information to follow!
• June 17, NAPSA & SIFMA will co-host a webinar to discuss the importance of protecting APS clients and senior investors from financial fraud and exploitation. Pre-registration is required to participate.
  Register here: https://sifma.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Nasl0KOeQFWhC4rZt7mhaA#/registration
  Discussion Topics
  • Recognizing Undue Influence and Identifying Solutions
  • Artificial Intelligence: How to Use it to Help Prevent Fraud, and How it's Being Used to Scam
  Speakers
  • Tara Ambrose, Senior Financial Fraud Ombudsperson, Enforcement Division, Minnesota Department of Commerce
    Candace Heisler, Attorney, Assistant District Attorney, San Francisco (Retired), Heisler and Associates
    Theo Lau, Founder, Unconventional Ventures
  • ·Liz Podnieks, Professor of English, Toronto Metropolitan University
  • Bismarck Prado, Director, Fraud & Senior Investor Protection, Legal and Risk, Commonwealth Financial Network
  • Jennifer Spoeri, Executive Director, NAPSA
  • Howard Tischler, Co-Founder and CEO, EverSafe

Resources

• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
• National Center on Elder Abuse
• WEAAD Toolkit

Materials - Order NOW!

• Partnering To Protect Brochure
• WEAAD Wall Posters 11” x 17” (3 designs available)
  • African American Man
  • Asian Woman
• WEAAD Window Clings (5” x 5” – to be applied inside of window)
• WEAAD Yard Signs (18” x 24”)
• Adult Protective Services (APS) Informational Flyers
  • What is APS?  Mandated Reporters
  • Doing Our Part.  Permissive Reporters
  • Self-Neglect/Neglect
  • Financial Exploitation/Sexual Abuse
• Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline Poster
• Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline Cards (available in Braille) | Front | Back

* Materials can be downloaded and printed or can be ordered by contacting DSDS Office of Constituent Services.

Make a difference. Make the call.

Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline responds to reports of abuse, bullying, neglect, and financial exploitation. If you suspect someone is being abused, bullied, neglected or exploited, call the hotline at 800-392-0210. The hotline operates 365 days per year from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. People who are deaf or hard of hearing may utilize Relay Missouri by calling 1-800-735-2466. You can report online at health.mo.gov/abuse.