In advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on Monday, June 15, 2020, the government has provided $1.89 million to help raise awareness of senior abuse.
The funding will also help create educational programs to protect seniors from physical, emotional and financial abuse.
Quick Facts:
Funding by the Province supports Seniors First BC’s confidential toll-free Seniors Abuse and Information Line (SAIL) that is available seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time) at 604 437-1940, or toll-free at 1 866 437-1940. For any emergencies, call 911.
Elder abuse, including neglect, is defined as a single or repeated act, or a lack of appropriate action, that causes harm or distress to an older person.
Elder abuse can take place in a senior’s home, a care facility or in the community, and often involves a person in a position of trust or a situation of dependency. The abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal, financial, sexual, spiritual or neglectful.
According to statistics from Seniors First BC, approximately 8% of seniors in B.C. experience some form of abuse. However, this may be higher, as older adults are often reluctant to report abuse.
For more information go to https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2020HLTH0184-001061
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