New Westminster is joining cities around the world in commemorating World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
In 2006, the United Nations General Assembly designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). The declaration provides an opportunity for communities around the world to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older persons by raising awareness about the issue.
According to Seniors Services Society of B.C., social isolation has been identified as one of the leading contributing factors to an increase in risk of elder abuse.
“In this unprecedented time of social isolation and stress throughout the world due to COVID-19, abuse incidents are higher, domestic violence has increased dramatically and crises line calls are at an all-time high,” said a press release from the society. “Approximately 10% of all senior adults will experience some form of physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse. It is also believed that abuse of seniors is significantly under-reported. Tragically, many will suffer in silence, in fear or in shame.”
On June 15, the Anvil Centre will glow purple – the colour associated with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Seniors Services Society invites community members to commemorate the day wearing something purple to show they’re united in the support of preventing elder abuse.
“The City of New Westminster, along with cities throughout the world, acknowledges June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and offers its support for older adults, their safety, their happiness and well-being,” Mayor Jonathon Cote said in a news release. “We all deserve to lead happy and healthy lives free from abuse. By working together, we can build better community supports and services for older adults to create meaningful and lasting local changes.”
As part of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Seniors Services Society announced its partnership with the B.C. Association of Community Response Networks to form the New Westminster Community Response Network.
“The New Westminster CRN will work with community members to build awareness in our community concerning older adult abuse issues and the need for prevention activities,” said Alison Silgardo, CEO of the Seniors Services Society. “We will work to educate workers, friends, family members and neighbours on how to recognize the signs of abuse and neglect and where to go for support.”
The British Columbia Association of Community Response Networks website states that it grew out of the need to create an ongoing, permanent provincial funding and support structure for the benefit of vulnerable adults who are experiencing abuse, neglect and self-neglect. It also works to coordinate communities’ efforts to respond to reports of adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect.
According to the provincial association, abuse can take many forms including financial, physical, sexual and psychological abuse. It can also include under-medication, censoring mail, violation of civil and human rights, denial of access to visitors, or invasion or denial of privacy.
“Elder abuse commonly refers to adult abuse where the target is a senior or older adult. An abuser is someone who likely to be someone known to the abused older person like a friend, family member or caregiver. Instances of abuse often coincide with neglect,” said the association’s website. “Neglect is when lack of care, assistance, or attention leads to physical, mental or emotional harm, or loss of financial assets.”
New Westminster MLA Judy Darcy said New Westminster is incredibly fortunate to have the Seniors Services Society in the community, saying its advocacy and outreach programs have helped to tackle many challenges, including housing and mental health.
“Our B.C. government is very proud to support their wonderful work which is more critical than ever due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has kept us physically distant,” she said in the news release. “I am really excited to hear that the Seniors Services Society is partnering with the B.C. Association for Community Response Networks to create the New Westminster CRN. On behalf of a grateful community and a grateful province, thank you for your leadership. I look forward to continuing to work with you and ensure no seniors in New Westminster suffer from social isolation or abuse."
New Westminster-Burnaby MP Peter Julian said the federal government needs to make seniors a real priority in Canada. He said far too many seniors are struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic, with more than 80% of deaths occurring in long-term care facilities.
“Coupled with the challenges of the rising cost for essential items and the uncertainty about income benefit programs, seniors are being left out of government’s economic response to the pandemic crises. Besides worrying about making ends meet, many seniors suffer a great deal of fear, isolation and anxiety,” he said in a press release from the society. “To that end, I am pleased to see the establishment of the New Westminster Community Response Network. Every senior deserves to age with dignity and respect.”
