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).
Here’s how you can show the world your support for adult abuse awareness and prevention:
- Check our WEAAD 2021 resource page regularly. We’re in the process of uploading our WEAAD kit, which will include this year’s logo, social media banners, and press release templates. Be sure to download everything you need to show your “purple power” on social media with the hashtag #BCCRNWEAAD2021.
- Volunteer with your local Community Response Network (CRN).
- Download the press release template, and work with your organization to finalize and send it to local news agencies and media outlets.
- Post pictures of your community’s “purple power” to social media with the hashtag #BCCRNWEAAD2021 and tagging @bccrns (for both Facebook and Twitter) on June 15, or email them to us to include in an upcoming E-Connector.
- Encourage your local community to fly the purple WEAAD flag and either turn on or shine purple lights on public buildings.
CRNs: Please stay updated on pandemic safety measures, including wearing masks, physical distancing, and avoid meeting in large groups.
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.
