2024 WEAAD Walk: Uniting Against Elder Abuse

The SC Department on Aging and SC Department of Social Services are hosting the 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk on June 14, 2024. Celebrate World Elder Abuse Awareness Month (WEAAD) by participating in Walk for WEAAD on June 14, 2024 at DSS State Office, 1535 Confederate Ave, Columbia, SC 29201 beginning at 9 a.m. Pre-register for the walk at

The purpose of WEAAD is to provide an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness of the cultural, social, economic, and demographic processes affecting elder abuse and neglect.

Every year on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated in America and worldwide. WEAAD raises awareness about the millions of older adults who experience elder abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation. As many as 1 in 10 older Americans are abused or neglected each year, only 1 in 14 cases of elder abuse ever come to authorities’ attention. Older Americans are vital, contributing members of our society, and their abuse or neglect diminishes all of us. WEAAD reminds us that, as in a just society, we all have a critical role to play to focus attention on elder justice.

Elder abuse can be defined as, "a single, or repeated act, or lack of appropriate action, occurring within any relationship where there is an expectation of trust which causes harm or distress to an older person." It is a global social issue that affects the Health and Human Rights of millions of older persons worldwide and an issue that deserves the international community’s attention.

For more information, visit About WEAAD – World Elder Abuse Awareness.

The SC Department on Aging and SC Department of Social Services are hosting the 2024 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Walk on June 14, 2024.Photo bySCDOA