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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), designated as 15 June, was initiated by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) in 2006, and recognized as a United Nations Day by the General Assembly in its resolution A/RES/66/127 adopted in 2011.
The resolution invites all Member States, organizations of the United Nations system and other international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals to observe this day in an appropriate manner.
Elder abuse remains largely a taboo subject and the gender aspects are too often obscured. In fact, women are more likely than men to experience violence and discrimination throughout their lives. Therefore, it is important to see the abuse of older women in the context of a life course of discrimination, oppression and violence. Although there is not yet an accepted universal definition, “elder abuse” encompasses various types such as physical, sexual, psychological, emotional, financial and neglect. Some studies also include societal abuse. Older women may be at risk of abuse in all societies. Women with disabilities, suffering from dementia or who are care-dependent at home or in institutional care settings may be especially vulnerable to abuse by a range of perpetrators including family members and caregivers.
The theme this year is "Falling Between the Cracks: Abuse and Violence against Older Women Marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – 10 years on".
For more information, please visit:
http://bit.ly/WEAAD2015 and http://bit.ly/1GeFbWn
Source and copyright: UNDESA DSPD