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Protection from Elder Abuse and Neglect
For more information about preventing and responding to elder abuse, see:
Financial Abuse Protection
Need financial planning and protection information designed to promote financial literacy and help older adults guard against financial abuse? See:
Official Proclamation
Read the official proclamation declaring June 15, 2012 World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in B.C.
- WEAAD Proclamation (PDF)
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
June 15, 2012
Message from Honourable Michael de Jong, Minister of Health
The Government of British Columbia has once again recognized June 15th as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). This year, as in the past seven years, British Columbia will join with jurisdictions around the world in bringing attention to this serious social and public health issue.
Sadly, elder abuse is under-recognized and under-reported. Raising awareness of this often hidden issue is an essential part of putting a stop to elder abuse. WEAAD is an opportunity for individuals, organizations, and communities across the province to promote independence, dignity, and security for all British Columbians as they age.
In February of this year, the Provincial Government released the Improving Care for B.C. Seniors: An Action Plan (Action Plan), which identifies the need to protect seniors from abuse and neglect. As part of the Action Plan, the Ministry of Health has engaged with individuals, organizations and communities to provide input into the development of a provincial elder abuse prevention, identification and response strategy, due to be completed this year.
The Ministry of Health works to promote healthy and active aging and independence for all British Columbians, and this includes freedom from abuse of every type. Please visit the “Protection from Elder Abuse and Neglect” section of the SeniorsBC.ca website for links to a variety of resources, including a series of financial planning and protection fact sheets designed to help seniors guard against financial abuse.
I believe it is time for British Columbians to become more informed about elder abuse and to take action in order to better protect those who are vulnerable. This day is a reminder to each of us that elder abuse adversely affects individuals, families and communities across the province. Please join me in recognizing WEAAD, and the many individuals and organizations devoted to ending abuse.
Resources
Resources in English
To learn more about elder abuse and neglect, see the following fact sheets: The Government of B.C. has developed an Information Kit to help older adults learn how to prevent abuse, recognize abuse when it happens, know how to respond and know where they can find assistance.Resources in French
