Elder Abuse Needs To Be Recognized--Op-Ed Piece
Senior Citizens' Secretariat
February 11, 2005 4:00 p.m.
The following is an opinion piece by Valerie White, executive
director of the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat.
Family Violence Prevention Week (Feb. 13 to Feb. 19) provides
Nova Scotians with an important opportunity to recognize and talk
openly about elder abuse and to emphasize that abuse can happen
to any senior.
The best information we have is that between four and seven per
cent of Canadian seniors are abused. However, because abuse and
neglect are thought to be seriously under-reported, these figures
are often challenged.
Abused older persons come from all educational levels and social,
economic, and ethnic backgrounds. They live in communities right
across our country. The impact of elder abuse -- whether it stems
from neglect, physical abuse, sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or
financial abuse -- can be devastating. Abuse can lead to
declining physical and mental health, depression, and even
suicide.
Most abuse is committed by someone the senior knows, such as a
family member, friend, caregiver, landlord, or care provider.
Some seniors are more at risk than others, including older
seniors, socially isolated seniors, seniors with reduced
cognitive capacity, seniors with disabilities who are dependent,
and seniors cared for by people with an alcohol or drug problem.
Women are also more likely to be victimized than men.
There's much to learn about the abuse and neglect of seniors
including why it happens, how often it happens, why it's not
reported, and the role of factors like gender, dependency,
isolation, and disability. Elder abuse and neglect are issues
that need solutions involving all sectors of society.
The government of Nova Scotia has committed to the implementation
of a five-year elder abuse prevention strategy. With leadership
from the Nova Scotia Senior Citizens' Secretariat and its Elder
Abuse Prevention Strategy Committee, more than 30 concerned
government and community partners and stakeholders have joined
together to implement the strategy. Across this province, there
are many other individuals and organizations dedicated to this
cause who also want to help.
This year, the Elder Abuse Prevention Strategy Committee has
identified the raising of awareness about elder abuse and the
prevention of financial abuse -- thought to be the most common
type of abuse -- as its priorities.
Seniors need to be aware of their rights and know that they can
get help. Families and friends need to be able to recognize signs
of abuse and to reach out to those being mistreated or at risk of
abuse.
For more information about elder abuse, please contact the Senior
Citizens' Secretariat, toll-free, at 1-800-670-0065.
If you suspect a senior is being abused, don't ignore the signs.
Discuss the situation with the individual and suggest
counselling, resources, and support services. Get outside help,
if needed, from social services, legal services, or police. If
the situation is an emergency, call 911.
If you know of a vulnerable senior in need of protection, call
Adult Protection Services, Nova Scotia Department of Health at 1-
800-225-7225.
All of us can help eliminate elder abuse by disclaiming all forms
of violence, talking openly about the issue, and working to build
safe communities.
-30-
Media Contact: Karen Kelloway
Senior Citizens' Secretariat
902-424-7957
E-mail: kellowkl@gov.ns.ca
jal February 11, 2005 4:00 P.M.
|
