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Powell River group urges residents to observe elder abuse awareness day

June 15 set aside to create awareness of UN-sanctioned event
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Powell River
CREATING RECOGNITION: Showing the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day flag that will be flying at city hall on June 15 are [from left] City of Powell River councillor Jim Palm, who has the seniors portfolio, Elisa Renick, coordinator of Powell River Assist, and Lorraine Hansen, a member of the seniors council. The day has been set aside to bring greater awareness of senior abuse and neglect. Paul Galinski photo

Powell River Assist, the local Community Response Network (CRN), urges residents to assist its vulnerable adults by observing in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) on June 15.

Ron Woznow, chair of Powell River Assist, said even during these times of social distancing, people can observe WEAAD as an individual by simply wearing purple on the day. Purple is the colour BC CRN has adopted as this event’s hallmark colour.

“WEAAD – a UN sanctioned event – brings greater recognition of the senior abuse and neglect, which takes place everywhere,” said Woznow. “Elder abuse often goes underreported. The ministry of health reports as many as 10 per cent of BC seniors will experience some form of abuse in their later years. One in 12 seniors will experience financial abuse caused by close family members or trusted friends.”

The CRN provides workshops to the community to build awareness of abuse and neglect, help community workers recognize the signs of abuse, and identify those who can take action, according to Woznow.

The initial workshop was a training program on how to spot adult abuse, entitled: It’s Not Right. A total of 82 people attended the event on February 20, which included discussions on ageism, the signs and risks factors of senior abuse, and things that are required to make a community safe for all the senior population.

“The Powell River CRN plans to highlight the need for prevention activities that allow seniors in the community to live in safety and dignity,” said Woznow. “Our CRN plans to honour and celebrate those who remain active and vibrant members of our community.”

Social isolation has been identified as the leading contributing factor to an increase in risk, said Powell River Assist coordinator Elisa Renick.

“With this unprecedented time of social isolation and stresses in our world right now with COVID-19, abuse incidents are up, transition house and shelter usage are up, crisis line calls are up, domestic violence is up,” added Renick.

She reiterated that approximately 10 per cent of all senior adults will experience some form of physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse.

“It is also believed that abuse of seniors is significantly underreported,” said Renick. “Tragically, many will suffer in silence, in fear or in shame.”

The Powell River CRN is part of the BC Association of Community Response Networks, whose mandate is to work with community, agencies and government to develop a coordinated response to cases of abuse and neglect of vulnerable adults.

For more information, go to bccrns.ca.