Skip to content

Response network works to keep seniors safe

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
elders
Gibsons Mayor Bill Beamish and Vicki Dobbyn, coordinator of the Sunshine Coast Response Network, hold the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day banner outside Gibsons Town Hall, June 15.

The Town of Gibsons and District of Sechelt recognized World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 with proclamations declaring that “seniors are valued members of society, convey a wealth of experience and wisdom in our community and deserve to live with dignity and respect. It is our collective responsibility to ensure they live safely and fully in a community that cares about them.” 

That is also the message from the Sunshine Coast Community Response Network (CRN), a local group that includes health, social service and justice organizations, community groups and local businesses. The goal of this network, one of over 100 such networks in the province supported by the BC Association of Community Response Networks, is to strengthen a safety net through public education and a coordinated response to the abuse, neglect and self-neglect of vulnerable adults in our community. 

“Since elder abuse can often be invisible, citizens have a role to play by keeping their eyes and ears open to possible abuse,” said CRN coordinator Vicki Dobbyn. “This vigilance is important as often a senior will not report abuse because many abusers are family members or the people closest to them.” 

April Struthers, regional mentor for the CRN, added that financial abuse is the most common form of elder abuse, and abuse through Internet and email has become much more widespread.

“The COVID-19 crisis has added to the dynamics and stresses that cause abuse, and has increased the isolation that makes seniors more vulnerable,” Struthers said. “Legislation alone can’t keep them safe – involved communities make a critical difference.” 

While elder abuse often goes unreported, the Ministry of Health reports that as many as 10 per cent of B.C. seniors will experience some form of abuse in their later years. Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate, says elder abuse takes many forms – psychological, financial, emotional, physical or sexual abuse.

“We all have a role to play in helping to eliminate elder abuse by educating ourselves on the signs and symptoms of elder abuse and reporting concerns to the appropriate people,” Mackenzie said.

“Elder abuse is preventable, and everyone has a role to play.” 

The Sunshine Coast CRN has just published a handbook for people in regular contact with older adults called “Recognizing and Responding to the Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults.” It is available by contacting the CRN coordinator. 

For general questions about the abuse or neglect of an adult, call the Seniors Abuse Information Line at 1-866-437-1940. If you are concerned about a possible abuse or neglect situation, call Vancouver Coastal Health Mental Health Services at 604-885-6101. For more information about the Sunshine Coast CRN contact Vicki Dobbyn at vickidobbyn@dccnet.com

– Submitted