Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Finance
June 15, 2016
Respecting Seniors
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Marked in Newfoundland and Labrador
Today (Wednesday, June 15) is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. It is a day to raise awareness about the many forms of violence against older persons.
�Fear, exploitation and violence � these are things that no one should have to fear in our society, especially our seniors. Today is a day to raise awareness and seek to prevent all forms of violence, particularly against older persons in our communities.
- The Honourable Sherry Gambin-Walsh, Minister of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development
Recognized by the United Nations, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day aims to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of elders. It also seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, and to exchange ideas about how best to reduce incidents of violence towards seniors, increase reporting of such abuse, and to develop age-friendly policies.
�Violence against older persons may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, cultural, verbal or spiritual, and may also come in the forms of financial abuse and neglect. Our government is committed to working with individuals and community-based organizations to help end all forms of violence in Newfoundland and Labrador.�
- The Honourable Cathy Bennett, Minister of Finance and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women
The Adult Protection Act became law in June 2014. It protects adults who are at risk of abuse or neglect and who do not understand or appreciate that risk. The act applies to all adults, including seniors, who meet the criteria of an adult in need of protective intervention. There is a legal obligation for any person to report an allegation of abuse or neglect of an adult who may need protective intervention.
To report an allegation of abuse or neglect, please call the twenty-four hour toll-free report line at 1-855-376-4957.
QUICK FACTS
- June 15 is recognized by the United Nations as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with the goal of focusing global attention on the problem of violence against older persons.
- Violence against older persons may be physical, emotional, sexual, psychological, cultural, verbal or spiritual, and may also come in the forms of financial abuse and neglect.
- There is a legal obligation for any person to report an allegation of abuse or neglect of an adult who may need protective intervention. Allegations of abuse or neglect can be reported toll-free, 24 hours a day at 1-855-376-4957.
- Information on how to prevent violence can be found at www.respectaging.ca and www.gov.nl.ca/vpi.
- Further information about the Adult Protection Act is available at www.swsd.gov.nl.ca/apa/.
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Media contacts:
Roger Scaplen Director of Communications Department of Seniors, Wellness and Social Development 709-729-0928, 697-5267 rogerscaplen@gov.nl.ca |
Jennifer Tulk Director of Communications Department of Finance 709-729-6830, 728-4104 jennifertulk@gov.nl.ca |
2016 06 15 4:50 p.m.