FREDERICTON (GNB) – The following statement was issued today by Social Development Minister Cathy Rogers in observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, June 15:
The United Nations has recognized this day since 2006. It is intended to encourage the respectful treatment of seniors by sharing information and by promoting resources and services that improve their safety and well-being.
This day provides a unique opportunity to raise awareness of this serious issue and to encourage each of us to recognize and report signs of abuse. Elder abuse can take many forms. Whether the abuse is physical, financial, emotional, sexual or verbal, or a result of outright neglect, we have an obligation to seniors to be vigilant and to respond in such cases.
As demographics change, incidents of abuse may increase. Many seniors may be reluctant to come forward to report abuse or neglect because those responsible could be a close family member, a caregiver, or a person in a position of trust.
I encourage anyone who suspects an individual is being abused or neglected to immediately report it to the Department of Social Development. One case of elder abuse is one too many.
The department is mandated under the Family Services Act to investigate and address any reported case of abuse or neglect of either adults with disabilities or seniors.
Seniors have helped make New Brunswick the great province it is today. All residents have a responsibility to strive for a society in which all persons, including seniors, live safely with dignity, respect and kindness.
Suspected cases of abuse or neglect can be reported 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by calling any Social Development regional office across the province.
Emergency numbers for Social Development regional offices:
- Moncton – 1-866-426-5191;
- Saint John – 1-866-441-4340;
- Fredericton – 1-866-444-8838;
- Edmundston – 1-866-441-4249;
- Restigouche – 1-866-441-4245;
- Chaleur – 1-866-441-4341;
- Miramichi – 1-866-441-4246; and
- Acadian Peninsula – 1-866-441-4149.
15-06-15