Funding To Support Elder Abuse And Prevention

COQUITLAM – The Ministry of Health is providing $1.4 million to support senior abuse awareness and prevention.  The funding comes in advance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on Friday, June 15th. 

“All people, including seniors, have the right to live without the threat of any kind of abuse, including physical, emotional and financial,” said Anne Kang, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors, who made the announcement on behalf of Dix. “Signs of abuse can be difficult to recognize, but by raising awareness and supporting programs that serve seniors in abusive situations, we can help these valued members of society stay safe, healthy and independent.” 

It’ll help support the BC Association of Community Response Networks (BC CRN) to strengthen existing networks and workshops. The educational programs teach people how to recognize signs of abuse and neglect and how they can help. Programs include It’s Not Right! and Gatekeeper. It’s Not Right! is meant for community members and Gatekeeper is for those who have regular contact with seniors. 

“Thanks to the support of the Ministry of Health, we now have 72 Community Response Networks serving 190 communities throughout the province,” said Sherry Baker, executive director, BC Association of Community Response Networks.