Every year, on the 15th of June, the global community observes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a day dedicated to raising consciousness about a grave and often hidden social injustice — the abuse and mistreatment of older persons. This observance, officially recognized by the United Nations General Assembly in 2011, is not just a ceremonial date marked on calendars but a heartfelt call for compassion, responsibility, and action.

As the world population ages at an unprecedented rate and life expectancies rise, the challenges faced by older individuals are becoming increasingly complex. Amid these challenges, one of the most troubling is the growing incidence of elder abuse — a problem that continues to persist silently in the shadows of modern society. It is in this context that World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gains profound significance, serving as a platform to illuminate dark corners and to inspire efforts to protect and uphold the dignity of senior citizens. Elder abuse encompasses a wide spectrum of harmful acts, including physical violence, emotional or psychological torment, financial exploitation, sexual abuse, and even neglect — whether intentional or due to indifference.

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What makes elder abuse particularly heart-breaking is the fact that it often occurs in environments that are supposed to be safe havens, perpetrated by individuals the elderly trust — such as family members, caregivers, or close acquaintances. This betrayal of trust makes the abuse not only painful but deeply humiliating. Many older individuals do not speak up, often due to feelings of shame, fear of retaliation, emotional dependence, or even a desire to protect the very people who are harming them. In many societies, including our own, elders are taught to endure in silence, to adjust, to avoid complaints, and to........

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