The Sunshine Coast Community Resource Network is planning a variety of activities that will shine a light on the various forms of elder abuse. In 2006, the United Nations officially proclaimed June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to bring greater recognition of abuse and neglect of seniors, which is taking place in communities everywhere.
While elder abuse often goes unreported, the Ministry of Health reports that as many as 10 per cent of B.C. seniors will experience some form of abuse in their later years, that one in 12 seniors will experience some form of financial abuse, and that this abuse is usually caused by close family members or trusted friends.
On the Sunshine Coast, social, community and health service organizations, government agencies, community-minded individuals, local business and seniors have come together to form a Community Response Network (CRN). The Sunshine Coast’s CRN can provide informational workshops to members of the community to build awareness, help workers in the community recognize the signs of abuse and identify those on the Sunshine Coast who are able to take action.
April Struthers, regional mentor for the CRN Association and local resident said, “The Sunshine Coast’s CRN plans to highlight the need for prevention activities that allow seniors in the community to live in safety and dignity. Just as importantly, our CRN plans to honour and celebrate those who remain active and vibrant members of our community. To highlight this very important day on June 15, the CRN will be hosting a display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the lobby of the Sechelt Hospital to help the community identify existing services to address elder abuse.
– Submitted
