The United Nations General Assembly has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It represents the one day in the year when the whole world voices its opposition to the abuse, neglect and suffering inflicted to some of our older generations.

In Bermuda, The Ministry of Health’s Ageing and Disability Services (ADS) will be recognising World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) by participating in a worldwide virtual campaign entitled Lifting Up Voices, to spread word and engage our community around this important and timely subject. Lifting Up Voices theme is centred on unifying the parallel fields of Elder Justice and Violence Against Women by bringing to the forefront the lived experiences of older people around the globe.

Minister of Health, the Hon. Kim Wilson JP, MP, said, “The Ministry of Health is pleased to join the worldwide effort in raising awareness about elder abuse. Elder abuse can take various forms such as physical, psychological or emotional and financial abuse. It can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect. Whatever the form, the problems associated can be prevented and it starts with each of us helping to bring awareness.”

Ageing and Disability Services, Manager, Keeona Belboda stated, “The various abuses inflicted on the elderly are not just words and actions to them, but a realisation that they often times feel undervalued. As a result, we must raise our collective voices against the abuses faced by some elders in Bermuda. As a country, we need to recognise World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and be mindful of the signs of abuse and report abuse when we see it. As the adage goes, “if you see something, say something.”

Ms. Belboda added, “The Ministry of Health is inviting all Bermuda residents to join us in Lifting Up Voices for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) 2019 and share with your friends and family via social media about WEAAD and spread awareness using the hashtag #WEAAD or Tweet your support to prevent and end elder abuse.

For more information visit www.un.org/en/events/elderabuse/index.shtml

• Press release from the Ministry of Health