Envision Counselling and Support Centre will be recognizing the sixth annual World Elder Abuse Day on June 15. This is a day to acknowledge this public health issue and the need to come together as a community to generate action.
"Each year, hundreds of thousands of older persons are abused and neglected, frequently by their family members or other caregivers. The majority of these cases are never reported or investigated," Patt Lenover-Adams, executive director at Envision stated.
"World Elder Abuse Day is an excellent opportunity to share information about abuse and neglect in older persons. Public education and raising awareness of abuse or mistreatment is an ongoing effort and should not be limited to one specific day."
It is reported that only one in five incidents of abuse ever come to light. Reasons for this under-reporting include a general lack of knowledge about what financial abuse is and the fact that individuals close to the victims are too often the ones perpetrating the crimes.
"The victim may feel embarrassed or may fear abandonment and rejection if the incident was to be reported," Lenover-Adams said.
"There are many ways to become involved with this public health issue. Visit the National Centre on Elder Abuse website or call Envision Counselling and Support Centre for more information on what can be done to help. Any effort made can make a difference in the lives of vulnerable elders."
As the number of seniors in the community increases each year, it is more important than ever to increase awareness and make sure seniors are safe and protected from every form of abuse.
Envision encourages the entire community to take a moment on June 15 to recognize this important issue.
