The First Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to Take Place June 15, 2006.

Communities and municipalities have declared Thursday, June 15, 2006, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and will hold events designed to raise awareness of elder abuse and neglect. The 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.

Throughout the world, abuse and neglect of older persons is largely under-recognized and unspoken. Unfortunately, no community or country in the world is immune from this costly public health and human rights crisis.

Governments, non-governmental organizations, educational institutions, religious groups, professionals in the field of aging and interested individuals as well as older persons themselves will promote a better understanding of elder abuse by organizing activities around the world to raise awareness of the cultural, social, economic and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

All countries, communities, neighborhoods and organizations interested in bringing recognition and ultimately an end to elder abuse and neglect are urged to take part in the First Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2006.

The following is a list of key players that have already pledged their commitment to the day:

The International Association of Gerontology (IAG)
The World Health Organization (WHO)
The International Federation of Aging (IFA)
Help Age International
Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
The Subcommittee on Elder Abuse of the
      UN NGO Committee on Aging
International Longevity Center (ILC – USA)
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA)
The Ontario Seniors Secretariat/Government of Ontario
The Gary Jones Association

For more information, please visit http://www.inpea.net/weaad.html