Fletcher Applauds Government’s Efforts to Combat Elder Abuse

June 15, 2010

OTTAWA – Steven Fletcher, Member of Parliament for Charleswood – St. James - Assiniboia, encourages his constituents and all Canadians to wear a purple ribbon today and mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

In my riding and in communities from coast-to-coast-to-coast Canadians are taking time today to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day” said Fletcher. “It is disgraceful that four in ten Canadian seniors experience some kind of abuse. Our Government is committed to helping provide Canadians with the knowledge and resources needed to identify and mobilize our society against elder abuse.”

It is estimated that between 4 and 10 per cent of Canadian seniors experience some kind of abuse. Mistreatment can take a variety of forms, including financial, physical or psychological abuse, as well as neglect.

Coinciding with the fifth annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Government of Canada announced funding of almost $1 million for six Federal Elder Abuse Initiative projects to help national organizations to develop and disseminate elder abuse awareness materials for frontline workers.

Many seniors do not report abuse because they feel isolated and are afraid to speak out. As a result, this problem remains largely hidden. In a recent survey, 96 per cent of Canadians felt that most abuse experienced by older adults is hidden or goes undetected.

In 2009, the Government of Canada launched a national elder abuse awareness advertising campaign called Elder Abuse – It’s Time to Face the Reality. The awareness campaign, scheduled to run again in October, includes television, print and Web components aimed at raising awareness of elder abuse.

For more information on the Government of Canada’s commitments regarding seniors, including elder abuse awareness initiatives, visit www.seniors.gc.ca.