Elder Abuse Awareness: Network to Promote Education (Ontario, Canada)

Network promotes education during World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

Date: 2008-06-05
By Catherine Whitnall

They are among the most vulnerable members of our society, yet every year, roughly 100,000 Ontario seniors suffer some form of elder abuse.
Sadly, it is estimated that only one in 12 cases of elder abuse is reported, with abuses taking place in the home, in care facilities or in the community.
Sunday, June 15 marks the third annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, however, the Haliburton Kawartha Lakes Elder Abuse Prevention Network is taking the preceding week to raise awareness of these incidents that impact an estimated seven per cent of older adults in the City of Kawartha Lakes.
On June 11, 12 and 13, seniors, individuals, caregivers and service providers are invited to drop by the display at Lindsay Square Mall. Representatives from the network will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to answer questions. Brochures, booklets and guides will also be available.

Awareness and education can go a long way in preventing and stopping abuse, states elder abuse services co-ordinator Karen Anderson. The local network's goal is to promote the prevention of elder abuse through education and awareness, and to assist the public in identifying the signs and symptoms of abuse.
Mrs. Anderson said the network has a new name, but is not new to the area. The program has been ongoing for about 12 years.

"Sometimes, a person will call for 'a friend' and don't give any more information than that. I can point them in the right direction. . . . I'm not counselling anyone and, at this point, we're not going into anyone's home," said Mrs. Anderson, whose office is based at Community Care City of Kawartha Lakes at 34 Cambridge St. S. in Lindsay.

For more information, contact Mrs. Anderson at 324-7323 ext. 502.

Abridged
SOURCE: MyKawartha


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