World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in its resolution 66/127, December 2011, following a request by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), who first established the commemoration in June 2006.
June 15 represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse and suffering inflicted on some of our older adults.
Every year, local community response networks (CRNs) mark this important day with “purple power”, which can mean wearing your favourite purple shirt (the official colour of BC WEAAD), passing out irises (the official flower), and finding fun ways to spread awareness on adult abuse, neglect, and self-neglect prevention (BC CRN’s mandate).
We’re assuming pandemic similar safety measures will still be in place this summer as they were last year. And since we’ve learned so much about what we can and cannot do, we are challenging BC communities, community response networks (CRNs), and volunteers to find even more unique and creative ways to mark the day.
CRNs: Please stay updated on pandemic safety measures, including wearing masks, physical distancing, and avoid meeting in large groups. The deadline for ordering WEAAD materials is May 15, 2021.
Let’s mark this WEAAD 2021 by finding ways to connect with vulnerable adults, and provide safe communication and appropriate support for those in the community who are fearful or are being abused.
We will still be active on Facebook and Twitter that day. Remember to post your pictures, and activity details and tag BC CRN (@BCCRNS). Use the hashtag #BCCRNWEAAD21.
To get involved, contact your local CRN or email us at info@bccrns.ca.
(Header photo: Creative Commons License)
