The Government of Alberta will once again work with the Alberta Elder Abuse Awareness Network to support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15, helping to educate people and prevent elder abuse.
“It’s disheartening to know that up to 10 per cent of seniors are victims of elder abuse. This is unacceptable. All seniors deserve to be respected and to feel safe in their homes and in their communities,” said Mary Anne Jablonski, minister of seniors and community supports.
“We need to do all we can to enhance the ability of individuals and communities to recognize and respond to situations of elder abuse. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to increase awareness and understanding of this devastating issue throughout the province, the country and the world. These efforts will help to support an elder abuse-free province, every day.”
Any senior can become a victim of elder abuse. Elder abuse is any action or inaction that jeopardizes the health or well-being of any older adult. It can affect the physical and mental health of a senior and is not limited by gender, race, ethnicity, income or education. Forms of abuse include financial, physical, sexual and emotional abuse, and often the abuser is a spouse or adult child.
More information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and elder abuse, including brochures, posters, fact sheets and links to other resources, is available online at www. seniors.alberta.ca by following the elder abuse link.