THE WORLD: June 15, 2006 Will Be Observed As World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) is launching a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to be held on June 15, 2006. This project will be in partnership and collaboration with interested individuals, agencies, organizations, NGO's, governments and corporations. The day will focus efforts across the globe to raise awareness of elder abuse in a coordinated fashion for the first time. The International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (INPEA) was founded in 1997 and is dedicated to global dissemination of information as part of its commitment to world-wide prevention of elder abuse. The United Nations International Plan of Action adopted by all countries in Madrid, April 2002, clearly recognizes the importance of elder abuse and puts it in the framework of the Universal Human Rights. INPEA is dedicated to supporting the plan of action. Among those who have offered initial support are: * The International Association of Gerontology (IAG), * The World Health Organization (WHO), * The International Federation of Aging (IFA), * The Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse (CNPEA), * The Subcommittee on Elder Abuse of the UN NGO Committee on Ageing, * The Ontario Seniors Secretariat/Government of Ontario and * International Longevity Center (ILC – USA). Many more are expected to participate. The day will focus efforts across the globe to raise awareness of elder abuse in a coordinated fashion for the first time. An official statement to mark the day will reflect messaging around abuse of older persons and will stress the need for people to understand what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented as well as initiatives around the world to reach this goal. Communities and municipalities will make proclamations declaring World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and hold events designed to raise their communities’ awareness of elder abuse. A planning committee comprised of national and regional representatives is being established. The planning committee will recommend priorities and innovative approaches to promoting the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and ensure that linkages are made with governments, organizations and communities across the world. As the project develops, suggested activities designed to help people of all ages and from all sectors of our communities to recognize World Elder Abuse Awareness Day will be provided. INPEA will design a Resources Kit to assist regions in planning the event. Concrete, usable tools and techniques will enable individuals/groups to participate in this global event. Expert consultation will explore and promote the theme of elder abuse awareness. Promotional events may include cultural, educational, art and social activities, as well as the launching of posters and calendars with the Day's logo. There will be a multimedia information campaign to publicize the Day. All activities will bring to the Day a global relevance that will sustain and move elder abuse awareness forward throughout the day, the year and years to come. It will involve national and international activities developed by countries, communities, neighborhoods and organizations collaborating in multi- generational initiatives that span information technology, cultural and art events, volunteer and educational programmes aiming to create an awareness of elder abuse and its consequences. www.inpea.net