Thread by @WHO

Today is #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay!

1⃣ in 6⃣ older adults are abused every year.

#StopElderAbuse

Q: What is elder abuse?

A: Elder abuse can take a number of forms: physical, sexual, psychological or financial. Abandonment and neglect and serious loss of dignity and respect are also forms of abuse.

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#StopElderAbuse

Today is #WorldElderAbuseAwarenessDay!

Elder abuse can lead to serious distress and harm including physical injuries and long-term psychological consequences.

#StopElderAbuse

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Elder abuse can happen just once or repeatedly. People who commit it are often in a position of trust.

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#StopElderAbuse

#COVID19 pandemic and imposition of lockdown measures has sharply increased the risk of abuse against older people.

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#StopElderAbuse

Elder abuse is occurring in homes, in long-term care facilities, and online, with a surge in scams directed at older people.

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#StopElderAbuse.

Governments should create awareness of the increased risk of violence against older people during #COVID19, providing information on how victims can seek help.

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#StopElderAbuse

Governments can set up national helplines for violence against older people or extend helplines for violence against women and/or children to cover violence against older people.

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#StopElderAbuse.

Governments can provide information about financial scams directed at older people and how to avoid them.

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#StopElderAbuse

Health providers and social services should be alert to signs of elder abuse and provide advice and support when there is evidence or disclosure of violence.

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#StopElderAbuse

We should all keep in regular contact with caregivers of older members of our family and older friends, during #COVID19 and beyond, to prevent their social isolation.