Executive Council
Health and Community Services
June 13, 2014
Encouraging Safe and Supportive Communities
Provincial Government Recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
The Provincial Government is recognizing Sunday, June 15, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, in a continued effort to increase awareness of violence against older persons.
“This day of awareness highlights the importance of preventing violence against older persons in our province. Through the recent unveiling of the Respect Aging training program and website, the Provincial Government is committed to the recognition, prevention and intervention of violence against older persons, so that everyone can live free from fear, exploitation and violence in safe and supportive communities.”
- The Honourable Charlene Johnson, Minister Responsible for the Status of Women and Lead Minister of the Violence Prevention Initiative
All forms of violence are unacceptable, and have damaging, long-term impacts on those who experience them. Violence against older persons takes many forms, including physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, cultural, verbal or spiritual violence as well as financial abuse and neglect.
“The contributions that older adults make in our province should be respected and celebrated. Violence against anyone is unacceptable in our society. As our population ages, we must all do our part to ensure that we continue to provide kindness, compassion and opportunities for older adults. Through the Violence Prevention Initiative and the Healthy Aging Policy Framework, we are committed to providing supports and services to help older adults live in safe communities where they can make healthier choices, enhancing their independence and quality of life.”
- The Honourable Paul Davis, Minister of Health and Community Services and Minister Responsible for Aging and Seniors
The Violence Prevention Initiative’s Regional Coordinating Committees against Violence have many activities scheduled in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The Roads to End Violence has partnered with Central Health to deliver two modules of the Respect Aging training, the Southwestern Coalition to End Violence is hosting two Senior’s Lunch and Learns, and the Northern Committee Against Violence will be hosting a brunch where an RCMP officer will speak about the safety and security of older persons.
A list of community events recognizing World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is available by contacting the Regional Coordinating Committees against Violence. Contact information for each committee can be found in the backgrounder below.
The Provincial Government remains committed to preventing violence against all vulnerable populations by working with over 30 community partners and departments and agencies to ensure all residents live in communities free from violence.
QUICK FACTS- The Provincial Government recognizes June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
- According to Statistics Canada, in 2011, approximately 8,500 Canadians aged 65 years and older were victims of a violent crime.
- The Respect Aging website was unveiled in March 2014. Information about the Respect Aging program can be found at //www.respectaging.ca/. These materials are meant to provide information, resources and tools for anyone who interacts with older persons affected by or likely to experience violence.
- Information about the Violence Prevention Initiative can be found at www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.
- For information on programs and services including legal, financial and health information pertaining to older adults please visit: www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/seniors.
- 30 -
Media contacts:
Sara Norris Program, Policy, and Communications Analyst Women’s Policy Office 709-729-6225 saranorris@gov.nl.ca |
Heather Maclean Director of Communications Department of Health and Community Services 709-729-1377, 697-4137 heathermaclean@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Regional Coordinating Committees against Violence
Coalition Against Violence-Eastern Avalon |
Communities Against Violence |
Burin Peninsula Voice Against Violence |
Eastern Region Committee Against Violence |
The Roads to End Violence |
Violence Prevention South and Central |
Western Regional Coalition to End Violence |
Southwestern Coalition to End Violence |
Northern Committee Against Violence |
Violence Prevention |
2014 06 13 12:55 p.m.