FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Social Development Minister Madeleine Dubé in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, Saturday, June 15:
This day is an opportunity to bring the issue of elder abuse to the forefront. Elder abuse can take many forms – neglect, sexual, physical, emotional, verbal and financial.
Raising public awareness on this issue is vital to ensuring that New Brunswickers learn about the various forms of elder abuse and are able to take action to protect seniors from harm.
This annual observance is a reminder that seniors may be at risk and the earlier elder abuse is detected and reported, the better the prospects are an individual will not be seriously harmed and further victimization can be prevented.
As our aging population increases, experts predict cases of elder abuse will increase as well. It is important that we educate the people of New Brunswick on the issue and how elder abuse can be reported.
I encourage the public to contact the Department of Social Development if they suspect a case of elder abuse. Suspicion or reason to believe that an individual is being abused or neglected is the only requirement for reporting. Suspected cases can be reported 24 hours per day, seven days per week by calling any regional office.
As a society, we need to ensure our seniors are cared for with compassion and understanding and with the dignity and respect they deserve.
14-06-13
