Sunday, June 15th, marks a very special day – World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This is a global awareness day officially introduced by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations on this day in 2006. This important day is in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action which recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. It is observed every year to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding and increased awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect. We know that no community or country in the world is immune from the mistreatment of older adults. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation of the elderly and disabled. Last year, DHSS received and investigated 41,929 reports, an average of about 115 each day. The National Center on Elder Abuse estimates for every case of elder abuse or neglect reported to the authorities, as many as 23 cases go unreported.
Missouri’s Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) invites you to wear purple anytime throughout the month of June to commemorate this important event and raise awareness of elder abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation in later life. The color purple has been adopted as the symbol to raise awareness of elder abuse and the effects of abuse, neglect, bullying, and exploitation in later life.
Each year the Department hangs outdoor banners to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and promote Missouri’s Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline. The banners will be displayed at the Wildwood campus buildings in Jefferson City as well as the Truman Building. Pinwheels are also placed in the ground surrounding the banners at the Wildwood campus. Each pinwheel represents a individuals who have experienced a form of abuse, neglect, or exploitation. You will find throughout the state, yard signs and purple pinwheels as we continue to spread awareness of this important campaign. Our social media department also takes part in recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by promoting awareness on our X, (@HealthyLivingMo), Instagram (@healthylivingmo), and Facebook (Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services) accounts.
Ways You Can Participate:
Display a WEAAD yard sign and/or window cling: To order promotional materials by visiting www.Health.Mo.Gov
Wear purple and post to social media using hashtag WEAAD (#WEAAD25)
Share Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services WEAAD social media posts
Walk for WEAAD by joining a walk in your area or creating one
Register for a WEAAD webinar event: found on our website at www.Health.Mo.Gov/weaad