Pamela Cowan, Leader-Post
Published: Monday, December 03, 2007
The federal secretary of state for seniors says her government will soon be making proposals to address poverty among seniors and the huge problem of elder abuse in Canada.
Senator Marjory LeBreton told a small group of seniors at Wintergreene Estates Seniors' Residence on Saturday that it's difficult to determine the scope of elder abuse because it's a taboo topic."There's incomplete data but what we do know is that between four and 10 per cent of people are abused, but it's way under-reported," she said. "We figure it's probably 50 per cent under-reported."
LeBreton was in Regina after a day-and-a-half meeting of federal, provincial and territorial ministers responsible for seniors wrapped up in Saskatoon on Friday.
She said elder abuse includes physical assault, isolation or financial scams, sometimes at the hands of family members. To prevent the abuse, LeBreton is preparing a presentation that she will submit to cabinet. Once approval is given, she expects a public awareness campaign will be launched within weeks.
"A few years ago there was a campaign on spousal abuse -- that it would not be tolerated -- it's that kind of public awareness that we're trying to deal with because it is a huge problem," LeBreton said.
Seniors need to know where to turn for help and advice, she said.
The National Seniors Council was set up to study two issues this year -- elder abuse and seniors that live close to or below the poverty line, she told reporters.
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It is interesting to note that this politician was quoted as saying "...it is difficult to determine the scope of elder abuse because it's a taboo topic." For those of us from around the world who are working hard to highlight this problem; we have to admit that we have a lot more work to do.
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