Edmonton Journal
June 8, 2012
Edmontonians have shown great courage and generosity in assisting the needy when crises arise like the Slave Lake fire in 2011. We have shown that we care and know what to do in these situations.
But when faced with cases of abuse, we have less knowledge and seem less committed to dealing with the problem.
We can get stuck on the idea it is a family matter and we have no right to intervene. Or we might think that if we do step in, it could make the abuse worse.
But like the damage caused by an unchecked wildfire, the fallout from elder abuse will only continue if we fail to act. We need to realize that elder abuse is a community issue, just as we as a society are working toward this realization with spousal and child abuse.
As a society we have grown more accustomed to talking about personal problems. But we still find it difficult to talk about abuses perpetrated on us by our own family. Just as we take pride in our children's successes, we somehow see our own flaws in our children's failures.
Although many agencies have emerged in the past 15 years to deal with this complex social issue, many cases of abuse remain undisclosed and untreated.
Seniors can suffer from depression, anxiety and fear, as well as physical injuries. Living with abuse can be overwhelming.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is on June 15. If we don't become more aware of elder abuse, it is only going to escalate as our population ages. It impacts how we all live, not just as families but as a community.
As a neighbour, friend or family member, become alert to elder abuse and give seniors the support they need to get help.
The Seniors Abuse Help Line is 780-454-8888.
Pat Power, social worker, Edmonton Elder Abuse Intervention Team
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal
SOURCE: The Edmonton Journal
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