World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 2026

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is recognized each year on June 15 and observed through a month-long campaign over the entire month of June.

Launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (inpea.net) and later recognized by the United Nations (UN), WEAAD brings global attention to the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older and dependent adults.

In Los Angeles County, WEAAD is more than a single day. It is a month-long effort that includes community events, educational workshops, digital outreach, and storytelling that elevate awareness and prevention.

This campaign connects directly to the work of Adult Protective Services (APS) and community partners who support the safety, dignity, and independence of older and dependent adults.

Campaign Overview

WEAAD 2026 is a coordinated, month-long awareness effort led by the L.A. County Aging & Disabilities Department, in collaboration with its Adult Protective Services (APS) program.

This year’s campaign theme, “Protecting Older and Dependent Adults Starts Through Awareness: Learn the signs. Share the knowledge. Prevent the harm.” centers on prevention through education and community action.

The campaign helps residents recognize the signs of abuse, understand how to respond, and feel confident in taking action. Through events, storytelling, and digital outreach, it highlights the role we all play in protecting vulnerable adults and preventing harm before it happens.

The effort builds throughout June and culminates on June 15, when communities across the county and around the world wear purple to show support for older adults and stand against abuse.

Campaign Goals

Increase public awareness of older and dependent adult abuse.

Help residents recognize warning signs and risk factors.

Promote reporting pathways and community responsibility.

Highlight the role of APS and community-based prevention.

Reinforce dignity, respect, and inclusion for older adults.

Key Messages

Elder abuse is preventable; awareness is the first step.

Abuse can happen to anyone, in any community.

Knowing the signs can save someone from harm.

Reporting concerns can protect lives and is the right thing to do.

APS works with communities to support safety, dignity, and independence.

Everyone has a role in protecting older and dependent adult.

Key Event

PANEL DISCUSSION
See It. Say Something. Stop It: A Community Approach to Older and Dependent Adult Safety

When: Thursday, June 18, 2026
Time: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Register: Click here to register (LINK coming soon)

This signature event brings together Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals, clinicians, and criminal justice partners for a timely conversation on elder abuse prevention.

The panel will focus on how cognitive decline, including Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia, can increase vulnerability to abuse. Speakers will explore the challenges of identifying and reporting abuse when cognitive impairment is present, and how systems can work together to better protect older adults.

Topics will include:

How cognitive decline increases risk for abuse and exploitation.

Common forms of abuse affecting individuals with dementia.

Barriers to recognizing and reporting abuse.

Legal and ethical challenges involving consent, capacity, and testimony.

The role of healthcare, APS, and law enforcement in coordinated response.

Strategies for prevention, early detection, and improved outcomes.

How factors such as race, ethnicity, and demographics impact risk and access to support.

Myths vs Facts

Myth: Elder abuse is rare

Fact: Millions (1 in 10) of older adults experience abuse each year, and many cases go unreported

Source: U.S. Department of Justice

Myth: Abuse is always physical

Fact: Abuse can be financial, emotional, neglectful, or involve exploitation

Source: National Council on Aging (NCOA)

Myth: It only happens in institution

Fact: Most abuse occurs in private homes, often involving someone the abused person knows

Source: World Health Organization (WHO)

Myth: Nothing can be done

Fact: Reporting concerns connects individuals to APS and support services that can intervene

Source: National Institute on Aging (NIH/NIA)

Myth: It is not my place to report

Fact: If something feels wrong, reporting can protect someone from further harm

Source: National Institute on Aging (NIH/NIA)

Learn more through the National Council on Aging (NCOA); the U.S. Department of Justice; the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); or the World Health Organization (WHO).

Featured Video Series

APS Stories from the Field: Protecting Dignity Every Day

This video series features voices from Adult Protective Services (APS) professionals sharing their experiences working with older and dependent adults in Los Angeles County.

Through brief reflections, they talk about what they see in the field, the signs of abuse, and why this work matters.

(COMING SOON)

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. You do not need proof to take action. Reporting a concern can help protect someone from further harm.

1. Recognize the signs
Look for changes that seem unusual or unexplained, such as:

Sudden withdrawal or fearfulness

Poor hygiene or unmet basic needs

Unexplained injuries

Missing money or unusual financial activity

A caregiver who is controlling, aggressive, or isolating

2. Check in, if it feels safe
If appropriate, gently ask questions and show concern:

Speak privately and respectfully

Avoid judgment or confrontation

Let the person know that help is available

3. Report your concern
In Los Angeles County, contact Adult Protective Services (APS)

Reports can be made by anyone

You can remain anonymous

Trained professionals will assess and respond

If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

4. Share accurate information
Help prevent harm by sharing trusted resources.

Avoid spreading unverified information. Stick to facts and official guidance.

5. Stay engaged
Prevention starts with community:

Check in regularly with older adults in your life

Stay connected to neighbors and community members

Speak up when something does not feel right

Remember: Reporting is about making sure someone is safe.

Engagement Tips

Wear purple on June 15 to show support.

Start conversations with family, friends, and neighbors.

Learn the signs of abuse.

Check in on older adults in your community.

Attend a WEAAD event or webinar.

Share verified resources and reporting information.

Spread the Word on Social Media

We invite you to be part of this year’s campaign by learning the signs of elder abuse, sharing trusted information, and helping raise awareness in your community.

Start a conversation. Check in on someone. Speak up if something doesn’t feel right.

Follow along, share resources, and join the effort to protect older and dependent adults across Los Angeles County.

AD Handles:

• Facebook & Instagram: @LACounty4AD
• X (Twitter), BlueSky, & LinkedIn: @LACountyAD

Use Relevant Hashtags

#WEAAD2026
#EndElderAbuse
#ProtectOlderAdults
#APSWorks
#AgingWithDignity
#LACounty

Sample Social Media Posts

Post 1
June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. We support @LaCountyAD in raising awareness and protecting older adults in our communities. Learn the signs. Speak up. Take action.

#WEAAD2026 #ProtectOlderAdults

Post 2
Elder abuse can take many forms, including financial exploitation and neglect. Knowing what to look for can make a difference. Learn more and help prevent harm.

#WEAAD2026 #EndElderAbuse

Post 3
Wear purple on June 15 to stand with older adults and show your commitment to dignity and respect for all. #WEAAD2026 #ProtectOlderAdults

Post 4
If you suspect elder abuse, do not ignore it. Reporting concerns can connect someone to help and protection. Learn more through @LACountyAD

#ProtectOlderAdults

Post 5
Adult Protective Services #APS works every day to support safety, independence, and dignity for older and dependent adults in @CountyofLA. Learn how you can help at @LACountyAD.

#APS #ProtectOlderAdults