Everyone has a role to promote the right to be safe and free from abuse and neglect | iNFOnews | Thompson-Okanagan's News Source
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Everyone has a role to promote the right to be safe and free from abuse and neglect

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On June 15th - World Elder Abuse Awareness Day - we have a special opportunity to learn, discuss and share solutions on how to prevent and end abuse of all kinds against elders.

?According to the Ministry of Health, while elder abuse often goes unreported, as many as 10% of BC seniors will experience some form of abuse in their later years. One in twelve seniors will experience some form of financial abuse, which is usually committed by close family members or trusted friends.

“All across the globe, the growing population of elder citizens have increasingly become targeted by criminals who prey on vulnerable individuals, in addition to experiencing different forms of abuse and neglect,” states Deputy Commissioner Craig Callens, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP. “Everyone needs to get involved in spreading the word on these types of crimes and then work towards immediate and sustainable solutions.”

Many types of abuse and neglect are crimes under the Criminal Code of Canada. If you are a victim, or suspect that an elder is being abused, please contact your local police and report it.

The BC RCMP encourages communities to “shine a light on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.” Wear purple on June 15th in support of protecting our senior citizens.

More information on signs and symptoms of elder abuse and safety tips for seniors.

 

Backgrounder

According to Canada Year Book, 2011, the proportion of seniors aged 65 and older in Canada’s population grew from 8% to 14% between 1971 and 2010. On July 1, 2010, Canada’s senior population stood at 4.8 million, 677,800 residing in British Columbia. Statistics Canada’s demographic projections expect the senior population to increase rapidly until 2031, when all the baby boomers will have reached age 65. They estimate that by 2036, seniors could represent between 23% and 25% of the total population.
This change in demographics of the Canadian population will have an effect on victimization, however, reports are conflicting as to what this effect will be. Older Canadians have reported some of the lowest victimization rates, therefore, overall victimization rates may decrease with the aging population. The number of cases of victimization against seniors will increase, however, as this sector of the general population expands.

A report of the National Seniors Council on Elder Abuse written in 2007 concludes that with the raising awareness of elder abuse and what constitutes abuse, there will be an increase in the demand for community-based and front-line services. Senior safety and elder abuse are, therefore, becoming increasingly important considerations for prevention strategies.

Learn more by visiting:

 

WEAAD Eventsi in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, communities throughout the province will be hosting events.

Please visit the BC Association of Community Response Networks website to find out more.

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