Elder abuse affects up to 10 per cent
By: Scott Gibbons
October 27, 2008
The numbers are startling - between four and 10 per cent of Canadian adults 50 years and older experience one or more form of abuse or neglect.
Provincially, between 6,000 and 10,000 older Manitobans are affected by elder abuse, but only one in five cases comes to the attention of those who can help.
"It's probably a much bigger problem. That's just the tip of the iceberg," said Susan Crichton, the elder abuse consultant with the Manitoba Seniors and Healthy Aging Secretariat.
The province is holding its first-ever conference on elder abuse today and tomorrow. It has attracted 300 delegates from the health-care, law enforcement and senior advocacy fields from across the province and Canada.
Abuse comes in many forms - financially, physically, sexually and psychologically - at the hands of a family member, care-giver or a stranger. Victims often don't report it out of fear of retaliation, abandonment, family loyalty and embarrassment.
Crichton said the majority of calls to the province's senior abuse line are about financial abuse - a senior's life savings is gone - but it often doesn't end there. And at the heart of it is a need for power and control.
"It's rare that it's just one type of abuse," she said.
Sgt. Robert Cooke, the head of the RCMP community policing services for Manitoba, has made the issue one of his top priorities.
Now they're placing a strong emphasis on educating the public, he said, including holding police-academy style sessions where seniors are 'recruits.'
As well, the police are working with Girl Guides of Canada -- they can earn a merit badge for work done with seniors -- to help instill a positive image of the elderly with younger generations, Cooke said.
The secretariat also has been working with children to promote healthy inter-generational relationships, Crichton said.
The walls at the conference were covered with posters made by young Manitoba students. Most focused on a 'seniors are cool' theme.
"Ageism is a big factor," she said.
The event continues tomorrow at the Victoria Inn.
For Manitobans needing help or advice, they can call the seniors abuse line: 1-888-896-7183 or 945-1884.
SOURCE: Winnipeg Free Press
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What a marvellous move ! I've posted before on the importance of intergenerational programs to promote awarness of Elder Abuse. Youngsters must be taught the value of senior citizens. Ageism must be eradicated. What better campaign than one that involves young people in spreading the word. Ageism is not acceptable.
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