End the Silence: Help Victims of Elder Abuse

June 15, 2012

Edmontonians are urged to help seniors who experience abuse by helping them access support services or reporting suspected cases of elder abuse to the appropriate authorities.

Each year, 7% of Canadian seniors face situations of abuse, either financially, emotionally, physically, sexually or spiritually. Many of these cases go unreported.

“Seniors in Edmonton deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” said Mayor Mandel at a ceremony at City Hall marking World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. “All residents should feel empowered to stand up and report family or elder abuse if they see it happening in their communities.”

Signs of elder abuse may include withdrawal, a changed living situation, a senior appearing to be in distress or talking about difficulties which seem to indicate mistreatment.

“Any form of abuse is unacceptable, and the abuse of seniors is unthinkable,” said Fred Horne, Minister of Health. “All Albertans need to know the signs of elder abuse and what actions we can take to help prevent it. And seniors need to know what they can do to protect their own rights, enhance their own personal safety and reduce their own risk.”

Support for victims of elder abuse is coordinated through the Elder Abuse Intervention Team, a partnership between the City of Edmonton, Catholic Social Services, the Victorian Order of Nurses and Edmonton Police Service.

Individuals affected by elder abuse, or those concerned for the safety of a senior citizen, should call the Seniors’ Abuse Helpline, 24 hours a day, at 780-477-2929. Callers may be referred to the Elder Abuse Intervention Team or to the Seniors Association of Greater Edmonton Safe House (SAGE).

The 7th annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day held was held in Edmonton in support of the United Nations International Plan of Action, which recognizes the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue.

For more information:

Pat Power