World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Recognized by
Provincial Government

Raising awareness of violence against older persons in all its forms remains a priority for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is recognized throughout the province. The Provincial Government has been recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day since its inception in 2006.

“Newfoundland and Labrador seniors should be recognized and celebrated,” said the Honourable Jerome Kennedy, Minister of Health and Community Services and the Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day offers us the opportunity to reflect on how we wish seniors in our province to be treated, and to recognize that our treatment of older persons is a reflection on our entire society. Our government is committed to supporting seniors in continuing to live full and productive lives, and we have illustrated that through significant investments in programs and services for seniors.”

The Provincial Government addresses the issue of violence through its Violence Prevention Initiative, a six-year, multi-departmental, government-community partnership to find long-term solutions to the problem of violence against those most at risk in our society, including older persons. Violence against older persons includes physical, sexual, emotional, psychological, spiritual and cultural violence as well as verbal and financial abuse and neglect.

“Violence against older persons has remained a largely hidden issue, with untold social and economic costs,” said the Honourable Susan Sullivan, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative. “World Elder Abuse Awareness Day gives us an opportunity to recognize that violence against older persons is an issue in our society, and to reflect on the advances we are making in addressing the issue. We have made great strides through the Violence Prevention Initiative in addressing issues of violence, and will continue to strive towards our goal of ensuring that older persons live in safe and supportive communities everywhere in Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The Provincial Government continues to invest significantly in programs and services directed at seniors and aging. Just recently the Adult Protection Act was passed in the House of Assembly, replacing the 38-year old Neglected Adults Welfare Act. The purpose of the act is to protect adults who are incapable of caring properly for themselves; refuse or are unable to make decisions for care on their own behalf; and who are not currently receiving proper care and attention.

Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador includes approximately $7.5 million through the Provincial Healthy Aging Policy Framework for the continuation of several programs and initiatives aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors. The priority directions outlined in the policy framework are: recognition of older persons; celebrating diversity; supportive communities; financial well-being; health and well-being; and, employment, education and research.

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2011 06 15                                                                            11:00 a.m.