President Obama has signed the first ever Presidential Proclamation announcing June 15, 2012, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day!

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, individuals and organizations from across the world are urged to raise awareness of the various types of abuse to which older individuals are subjected.  This year, take a stand in the fight against elder abuse and take a stand for dignity and respect of our elders.

To support the ongoing work that you’re doing to protect the rights of older people, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) has made available a virtual ‘toolkit’ that includes creative ways your state and local communities can get involved in raising awareness of this issue, as well as support materials such as factsheets that can be handed out during your World Day activity. These materials are available at: http://ncea.aoa.gov/ncearoot/Main_Site/About/Initiatives/Take_A_Stand.aspx.

You can also report to NCEA on your event, as well as see what others are planning, here: http://ncea.aoa.gov/NCEAroot/Main_Site/About/Initiatives/WEAADform.aspx .

Resources:

Presidential Proclamation

Sebelius: Fighting abuse of senior citizens - Op Ed written by Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kathleen Seblius for USA Today

AoA World Elder Abuse Awareness Day webpage

NCEA World Elder Abuse Awareness Day webpage - includes factsheets and tips for involvement and prevention.