World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) in Wisconsin
National Resources &
statewide events
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WEAAD National Resources
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), observed each year on June 15, is a global call to action to recognize, prevent, and address the mistreatment of older adults in our communities. Established in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and recognized by the United Nations in 2011, WEAAD provides an opportunity for communities worldwide to increase understanding of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation by examining the cultural, social, economic, and demographic factors that contribute to these harms. Grounded in the United Nations International Plan of Action, WEAAD highlights elder abuse as both a public health and human rights issue and serves as a shared call for individuals, organizations, and communities to learn how to identify, prevent, and respond to abuse in later life.
National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)
To support this mission, the National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA) offers a wide range of free resources and toolkits—such as social media guides, educational flyers, and community outreach materials—to help raise awareness and strengthen systems that protect the dignity and safety of older adults. Want your county's events recognized nationally? Submit your county on the NCEA National Map.
National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL)
The National Clearinghouse on Abuse in Later Life (NCALL), an initiative of End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin, is hosting a World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Campaign from April 15 through June 15, sharing myths, facts, and critical insights about abuse in later life. We invite you to engage by reflecting, commenting, and asking questions—follow NCALL on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and join their email list for weekly campaign updates.
WEAAD Events in Wisconsin
Join us in standing up to elder maltreatment by participating in local outreach and advocacy efforts. A list of statewide and local WEAAD events throughout Wisconsin is below.
Pause. Reflect.
protect.
Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions
Beware of the Rising Elder Financial Fraud Crisis is an educational article created in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (June 15, 2026) that highlights the growing threat of financial scams targeting older adults. Developed with data from federal and Wisconsin agencies, this resource explains common fraud tactics—including social media scams, cryptocurrency fraud, and AI‑enabled impersonation—while outlining practical prevention tips and clear steps for reporting suspected scams. It is designed to increase awareness, promote prevention, and connect older adults, caregivers, and professionals with trusted Wisconsin reporting and support resources.
Buffalo & Pepin Counties
Buffalo and Pepin County FAST will host a WEAAD Scam & Fraud Prevention Event on June 15, 2026, offering expert guidance and practical tools from Adult Protective Services, law enforcement, and financial professionals to help protect older adults, families, and the community.
Event Flyer
Columbia County
Columbia County will host two educational events focused on preventing scams and financial exploitation, bringing the community together to learn how fraud happens and how to stop it. A community panel on June 4 and an expert presentation on 2026 scam trends on June 24 will provide practical tools to protect individuals and their loved ones.
Community Panel Flyer
Dane
County
Dane County will hold a Senior Shred Fest and Small Electronics Recycling event on June 12, 2026, at Warner Park to help prevent financial exploitation and identity theft. APS staff will also share event information and resources at a local farmers’ market on June 10, 2026.
Event Flyer
ho-chunk Nation
Ho‑Chunk Nation is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day by hosting Scam SINGO events throughout June at Tribal Aging Units and community locations, combining music, prizes, and meals with scam‑prevention education to help elders stay informed and safe, while encouraging participants to wear purple to promote awareness.
jackson county
Jackson County will observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with “Good Food. Strong Communities. Safe Elders. Come Hungry!”—a community event focused on raising awareness of elder abuse, sharing resources, and supporting the safety of older adults, with food trucks available for purchase.
LaFayette County
Lafayette County is marking WEAAD with a Lego-themed coloring contest for 5th graders, awarding prizes at each school, and displaying the artwork at local businesses throughout June. 1st-place winners will receive a LEGO set, and 2nd- and 3rd-place winners will earn free smoothie vouchers from Kwik Trip.
Milwaukee county
Milwaukee County will observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15, 2026, with a community resource fair, Scam Singo bingo game with prizes, and a walk at Washington Park to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse and exploitation.
Shawano county
Shawano County is observing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with community outreach efforts, including purple pinwheel and banner displays along Highway 47, a WEAAD information table at the 42nd Annual Brunch on the Farm on 6/28, a radio discussion with the Sheriff on WTCH at 8 a.m. on 6/4, and local media and flyer campaigns to raise awareness and promote prevention of elder abuse.
Need Guidance?
If you need guidance, please contact Debra Leis, Program Specialist, Wisconsin Elder Justice Coalition, at elderjustice@uwgb.edu and (920) 465-2469.