World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Posted
6/10/2026
by
tkoeshall@co.wood.wi.us
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is observed every year on June 15th. This day calls on communities, policymakers, and care providers to recognize, prevent, and respond to the abuse and neglect of older people. The day promotes prevention, supports survivors, and pushes governments to strengthen safeguarding laws and adult social care.
Why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Matters
According to the World Health Organization, around 1 in 6 people aged 60 or over experienced some form of abuse in community settings.. Rates are even higher in institutional settings such as nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Elder abuse takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse, as well as neglect and abandonment. The harm goes beyond bruises and missing money: survivors face higher rates of depression, hospitalization, and premature death. With the global population of people aged 60 and over set to double to 2.1 billion by 2050, prevention is becoming more urgent every year.
Elder Abuse in Wood County
In 2025, Adult Protective Services received 372 referrals for concerns of abuse and neglect of elderly & adults at risk. If you have concerns about at adult/elder at risk, please reach out to 715-421-4244 to make a referral or visit Investigations of Adult Abuse, Neglect, or Fraud (Adult Protective Services) - Human Services - Wood County Wisconsin to learn more about APS.