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 Events

Love, Lies & Scams:  A World Elder Abuse Awareness Month Community Event

Date: Tuesday, June 23, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Location: Hacienda Heights Community Center (Theater Room)

1234 Valencia Avenue, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745

Live interpretation will be available in Spanish and Mandarin.

Older adults are increasingly being targeted by sophisticated scams that exploit trust, relationships, and technology.

This free community event will provide practical information to help older adults, caregivers, and family members better understand these risks and learn how to respond if concerns arise.

The session will focus on prevention, awareness, reporting, and recovery, while highlighting local resources available to support individuals and families affected by fraud and financial exploitation.

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

Streaming Premiere: Thursday, June 25, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM

This panel brings together experts from healthcare, social services, and law enforcement, to discuss key issues in preventing and identifying elder and dependent adult abuse.

Using real APS data, the speakers highlight current trends, warning signs of psychological, physical, financial, and neglect-related abuse, and practical steps for reporting concerns. Viewers will also learn about available services, community resources, and how multidisciplinary collaboration supports the safety and well-being of older and dependent adults.

Topics include:

What psychological and mental abuse may look like and practical ways to prevent it

Key factors that may put individuals’ health and safety at risk

Ways individuals and their loved ones can maintain health and safety and reduce the risk of self-neglect

How to spot financial abuse and understand when law enforcement may be able to help

Simple steps everyone can take to protect themselves or loved ones from financial exploitation

Services and support available for people experiencing financial abuse

Warning signs of neglect and when it’s time to report concerns

How to report older and dependent adult abuse quickly and safely

Community resources that are available for individuals and families who need support

Watch the premiere on the #LACountyAD YouTube Channel beginning at 12:00 PM on June 25, 2026.

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.

(Videos play one after another).

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
#APS
#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 #EndElderAbuse

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 #APS #EndElderAbuse

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 #EndElderAbuse

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