World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD)

World Elder and Abuse Day

Support 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.

How can I participate?

Sign that says I support our elders because

Print this sign and fill in the blank to tell people why you support elders in your community! Use #WEAAD and tag us @HealthyLivingMO on all social media platforms.

  • 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
  • Wear purple on Sunday, June 15th, take a photo and join the conversation by posting it on social media using #WEAAD hashtag.
  • Display purple pinwheels, flags, and ribbons throughout your community. Here at DHSS, we are displaying purple pinwheels along with banners and yard signs across the state. We’ve placed pinwheels in the ground along with banners in front of our buildings to represent the number of substantiated adult abuse reports respective to that county.
  • Light up a landmark in your community purple or use a purple porchlight during the month of June.
  • Share information about elder abuse and scam prevention. Share your story so that others might not fall victim to these scams.
  • Call or visit an elderly friend, family member or neighbor.
  • Volunteer to help older adults in your community.
  • Start an MDT in your county
  • Participate in a ‘Walk for WEAAD’ event near you.
  • Report Elder Abuse when you witness it or become aware of it. Report online at health.mo.gov/abuse or call 1-800-392-0210.

Upcoming WEAAD Events & Webinars

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

  • National Weekend of Prayer and Action for Elder Justice
    June 6-8
  • NAPSA APS Webinar
    June 11, 1:00pm-2:15pm CST
    NAPSA's Regional Representative Advisory Board is proud to host a special event highlighting the critical work of Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals and their allied partners. Additionally, the Heroes of Adult Protection filmmakers will kick the event off and provide an update on their very important project supporting the field of APS! Register for the webinar. 
  • NAPSA & SIFMA – Protecting APS Clients and Senior Investors From Financial Fraud and Exploitation WEBINAR June 17

    • Pre-registration is required to participate.
    Register for the webinar.

      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

Materials - Order Resources Available

* 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.

Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline
June 15th World Elder Abuse Awareness Day