World Elder Abuse Day -JUNE 15-
The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA), which is a standing committee of the International Association of Gerontology (IAG), has designated 15 June 2006 as ‘World Elder Abuse Awareness Day’, with the support of organisations such as the United Nations and the World Health Organisation. The objective is to stress the need for people to understand what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented. The day will commence in New Zealand and then travel the world as daylight breaks, demonstrating the global nature of this abuse and the need for efforts to combat and prevent it.
It is hoped that the day will involve national and international activities developed by countries, communities, neighbourhoods and organizations collaborating together. Activities could include information technology initiatives, cultural and art events, and volunteer and educational programmes which create an awareness of elder abuse and its consequences. It has the potential to involve Governments/Assemblies, care providers and regulators, and local communities in unison.