By Staff
June 9, 2015
BURLINGTON, ON
We know it happens and we are surprised when it happens in families we knew. Nearly one in 10 Ontario seniors will experience some form of elder abuse, this is believed to be just a fraction of the cases reported.
The elderly are at times completely at risk; there are signs that indicate an elderly person is at risk. There are people who can help.
To help bring this important issue to light, Halton Region Police, registered nurses, and community organizations are hosting an event for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 18.
The event will be held at the Halton Region Auditorium 1151 Bronte Road in Oakville – starts at 5:30 pm
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized around the globe every June to raise the visibility of elder abuse and related issues. This local event is being jointly presented by Halton Regional Police Service, the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario’s (RNAO) Halton chapter, Elder Abuse Ontario, and the Elder Abuse Prevention Committee of Halton.
“Elder abuse is like a big elephant in the room, and not many people want to talk about it,” says Karimah Alidina, president of RNAO’s Halton chapter, adding that elder abuse can have a major impact on the health and wellbeing of seniors. “We need to hold an open and honest dialogue so that we can better address elder abuse, and protect Halton Region’s older population.”
Between 2010 and 2014, Halton police received more than 400 reports of elder abuse. About 60 per cent of these reports were related to assault, but older adults are vulnerable to many forms of abuse – including physical, emotional, financial, sexual, and neglect.
“Our elders deserve our respect, love and appreciation. They are our parents, grandparents and cornerstones of our community,” says Stephen Tanner, Chief of Halton Regional Police Service.
“Our police force works closely with our community partners to educate the public, prevent abuse and neglect and provide support to our elders.”
Four out of five instances of elder abuse go undetected. Often, seniors are reluctant to report incidents because of fear or shame. That’s why raising awareness of elder abuse is so important, says Rochella Vassell of Elder Abuse Ontario.
Sometimes the abuse is physical, sometimes it is financial – at other times it is emotional – all take their tole.
“This local event will heighten awareness that elder abuse is a local issue that must be addressed and taken seriously,” Vassell says. “Every person in our community is encouraged to promote seniors’ rights and ensure they are treated with respect and dignity.”
More than 13 community organizations are participating in the event, as well as Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. Burlington MPP Eleanor McMahon had a conflict and was not able to take part in what for her is a core constituency.
The agenda for the event is as follows:
5:30 p.m.: Registration and networking (refreshments provided)
6:00 p.m.: Welcome
6:10 p.m.: Remarks from MPP Kevin Flynn
6:25 p.m.: Presentation from Dr. Veronique Boscart
6:50 p.m.: Panel discussion
• Nadine Clarke, Halton Regional Police Service
• Keith Jim, Behavioural Supports Ontario Community Outreach Team
• Paul Proteau, Crime Stoppers
• Rochella Vassell, Elder Abuse Ontario
7:20 p.m.: Question and answer period
7:30 p.m.: Poster viewing
To register CLICK HERE or call the Halton Seniors Helpline at 1-866-457-8252.
