World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - June 15

2025 Theme: Addressing Abuse of Older Adults in Long Term Care Facilities: Through Data and Action

Despite increased awareness, many countries still lack reliable, disaggregated data, and staff shortages or lack of adequate training, continue to create high-risk conditions for abuse and neglect. A World Health Organization (WHO)-supported study revealed that nearly 64% of institutional staff admitted to abusive behavior in the previous year, highlighting the urgent need for systemic change.

This year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) will focus on the abuse of older adults in long term care facilities. Whereas most older people live in the community, institutional care is a reality for many. As the need for institutional care grows with global aging, so do concerns about safeguarding the rights, safety, and dignity of residents is of outmost importance.

With a global ageing population and increasing reliance on institutional care, ensuring residents’ safety and dignity is more urgent than ever.

Did you know?

• By 2050, it is estimated that 1 in every 6 people will be aged 65 or over, increasing the vulnerability experienced by older persons to violence.

• Around 1 in 6 people 60 years and older experienced some form of abuse in community settings during the past year.

• Elder abuse can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

• Elder abuse is predicted to increase as many countries are experiencing rapidly ageing populations.

• Globally, 82% of the estimated deaths from the COVID-19 pandemic occurred in people aged 60 years or older

https://www.un.org/en/observances/elder-abuse-awareness-day