OVW Observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2023: Reaffirming Our Commitment to Reduce Elder Abuse

Communities throughout our country and across the world are gearing up to commemorate World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). First recognized on June 15, 2006, by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, WEAAD aims to promote a better understanding of the abuse and neglect experienced by millions of older adults – crimes that are too often overlooked or unreported. Through this observance, WEAAD brings focus to the cultural, social, economic, and demographic circumstances affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Elder abuse is becoming more urgent as the population of older adults grows rapidly. By 2030, all baby boomers will be age 65 or older and by 2060, there will be about 94.7 million older adults, more than twice as many in 2010. As the percentage of older Americans continues to grow, the number of older adults experiencing abuse, neglect, and exploitation is also increasing. Older adults are particularly vulnerable to domestic violence and sexual abuse, particularly as they are forced to rely on others for day-to-day care and maintenance. Every year, more than 10% of senior citizens experience some form of elder abuse, including physical, psychological, or sexual abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect. It is critical for all organizations and systems to rethink how they will provide services and support to this growing population of older adults, especially for immigrants and other historically marginalized communities who face barriers to services leading to extreme isolation for older adults. We must maintain and grow a network of service providers, law enforcement, and advocates who are trained to look for signs of abuse in the elderly population and provide the support that survivors deserve.

The Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) remains committed to raising awareness about and taking action to reduce elder abuse and abuse in later life. Since 2006, OVW’s Training and Services to End Abuse in Later Life Program (ALL Program), has funded more than 100 grantees from all parts of the United States. The ALL Program supports thousands of law enforcement officials, prosecutors, judges, victim service providers, and other professionals in providing training and resources on how to recognize and address elder abuse.

This June during WEAAD, we urge you to join OVW and countless dedicated professionals and caring community members in raising awareness of this issue in your own unique way. We must take the opportunity to increase awareness about this critical issue, learn what to do if we suspect abuse or neglect, and stand united against elder abuse. WEAAD also serves to remind us that older survivors are strong and resilient and that they deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. To learn more about the intersection of gender-based violence and elder abuse, please visit the National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL), an OVW Training and Technical Assistance Provider.

You can make a difference in so many ways, such as:

• Create your own event or join a local WEAAD event.
•  Highlight domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking in later life in your community on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and commit to raising awareness of elder abuse throughout the year. For example, Highlight older victims during domestic violence, sexual violence, and stalking awareness months.
• Use the phrase “survivors across the lifespan” and include images of older adults to promote recognition of older survivors in your outreach and engagement materials, in trainings, and on social media.
• Include examples of elder abuse in educational events and conduct outreach where older adults gather.
• Confront ageist messages in the media by writing editorials or creating social media campaigns that encourage positive portrayals of older adults and visibility of persons of all ages.
• Incorporate feedback from older survivors on your agency’s resources, programs, and policies.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, neglect, or exploitation, visit the Department of Justice’s webpage to find resources in your state.

To talk to someone confidentially for support and information on domestic violence in later life, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. To find your local sexual abuse victim service program, call the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network at 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE). If you are in immediate danger, call 911. OVW does not provide services directly to the general public. Local resources are available on our website.  can also call the National Center for Victims of Crime hotline at 855-4-VICTIM (855-484-2846) or the Strong Hearts Native Helpline at 844-762-8483.  To report an incident of elder fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline at 1-833-372-8311.