World Elder Abuse Awareness Day: Protecting Older Adults Through Action

On June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) will unite communities worldwide to confront the abuse, neglect, and exploitation of older adults. This annual observance raises awareness of the social, economic, and cultural factors that contribute to elder abuse while promoting year-round prevention.

Elder abuse affects one in ten older adults in the U.S., yet only 1 in 24 cases are reported. Abuse can take many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglect. Often, it is perpetrated by someone the victim knows and trusts. Vulnerabilities such as social isolation and cognitive impairments like dementia exacerbate the risks, with nearly half of dementia patients experiencing abuse or neglect. Financial exploitation alone costs older adults more than $28 billion annually, creating long-term burdens on families and social safety programs.

The 911 Cell Phone Bank is helping to combat elder abuse by providing secure, free phones to victims in need. These devices serve as vital lifelines, empowering older adults to seek help and stay connected to advocacy and law enforcement resources.

“Our phones have made a real difference for countless victims,” said Laura Stanley of the 911 Cell Phone Bank. “In one case, we assisted an 80-year-old man whose grandson assaulted him and destroyed his landline to prevent him from calling for help. The phone we provided gave him a way to connect with authorities, stay informed, and regain his peace of mind.”

Another success story involves a Colorado woman who used a phone from the 911 Cell Phone Bank to safely communicate with her advocate and apply for jobs while living with her abuser. The device helped her escape to safety and begin her journey as a survivor.

This WEAAD, the 911 Cell Phone Bank encourages individuals, businesses, and organizations to take action by participating in the “Phone-it-Forward” initiative. Donating old devices—individually, through a community drive, or by contributing unclaimed phones from lost-and-found departments—can provide hope and resources to victims transitioning to survivors.

Join the movement by wearing purple on June 15 to show solidarity with older adults and their right to live free from fear. Together, we can shine a light on elder abuse and build a safer, more supportive world for our seniors.

Anyone can be a victim of a scam.  If you or someone you know has been a victim of elder fraud, or you want to learn more about common scams and warning signs, help is standing by at the National Elder Fraud Hotline

For more information about the 911 Cell Phone Bank or to organize a phone drive, visit www.911cellphonebank.org.

About 911 Cell Phone Bank

Since 2005, the 911 Cell Phone Bank has provided over 250,000 secure communication devices to victims of domestic violence, human trafficking, and elder abuse, working alongside law enforcement and advocacy programs to empower survivors and save lives.