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City Raises Awareness and Coordinates Services to Combat Elder Abuse

June 15, 2010

The City has officially proclaimed World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, which recognizes elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

“Our senior citizens deserve to live healthy, happy lives free of abuse and neglect,” said Councillor Linda Sloan. “In line with the recently proclaimed Seniors’ Declaration, all seniors should be respected and safe.”
 
Every year, about five per cent of Canadians age 65 and older are abused either financially, emotionally, physically, sexually or spiritually. If a senior’s living situation changes, they appear to be in distress or they talk about difficulties which seem to indicate abuse, people should suggest they get help.

“Unfortunately, any senior can become a victim of elder abuse,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, Minister of Alberta Seniors and Community Supports. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gives Albertans an opportunity to understand elder abuse and learn the signs, so we can all work together to help prevent it.”

This year’s theme coincides with that of the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse: My World, Your World, Our World – Free of Elder Abuse. The supporting theme recognizes that working together in a collaborative, coordinated way can have an impact.

The Today Family Violence Help Centre, which opened in Edmonton in 2009, puts collaboration into action. Patrick Dillon, Executive Director of the Today Family Violence Help Centre, accepted the proclamation. The centre houses the Elder Abuse Intervention Team, along with other support services for those experiencing abuse.

Individuals affected by elder abuse or those concerned for the safety of a senior citizen can call the Seniors’ Abuse Helpline 24 hours a day at 780-454-8888. Callers may be referred to the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton Safe House, the Elder Abuse Intervention Team, Catholic Social Services, the Victorian Order of Nurses or the Edmonton Police Service. The City also provides free cell phones to victims of family violence and elder abuse through the Safe Connection program.