The Town of Gibsons and the District of Sechelt have 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.”
This is also the message from the Sunshine Coast Community Response Network (CRN), a local group whose goal is to create a safety net to prevent the abuse, neglect, and self-neglect of vulnerable adults through public education and a coordinated response. It includes health and social service organizations, and is one of more than 80 such networks supported by the BC Association of Community Response Networks.
CRN Coordinator Vicki Dobbyn states that, “Since elder abuse can often be hidden, everyone has an important role in recognizing and responding to signs of possible abuse and neglect. This role is vital as an older adult may be isolated and may not share their concerns because often abusers are the people closest to them.”
Although elder abuse is often unreported, the Ministry of Health reports that as many as 10 per cent of B.C. seniors will experience some form of abuse. Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate states, “Elder abuse takes many forms, whether it is financial (the most common), physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. We all have a role to play in preventing elder abuse by educating ourselves on the signs of abuse and reporting concerns to the appropriate people.”
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 or Home and Community Care at 604-741-0726. All calls are confidential. Vancouver Coastal Health has just appointed Cayce Laviolette to the new position of adult protection lead to strengthen our community’s safety net for adults experiencing abuse or neglect.
The Sunshine Coast CRN can provide a handbook called “Recognizing and Responding to the Abuse and Neglect of Vulnerable Adults,” and can arrange workshops on this topic. It can also present a webinar called “Spotlight on Ageism,” as ageism can contribute to the abuse and neglect of older adults. For more information about the CRN and its resources contact the Coordinator at [email protected].
