The Town of Okotoks is helping to grow the conversation around elder abuse on June 15, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
It is an official United Nations International Day acknowledging the significance of elder abuse as a public health and human rights issue. Since 2006, communities throughout the country and around the world have honoured this day to raise the visibility of elder abuse by sharing information and promoting resources and services that can help increase seniors’ safety and well-being.
This year’s provincial theme, 20 Years of Being a Voice...Keep Growing The Conversation, encourages everyone to uproot elder abuse and plant a seed for change. Taking action can be as simple as wearing purple on June 15, sharing community resources on social media or reaching out to older adults in your community to let them know you care and are available to talk.
Supportive communities and resources are essential in engaging older people and preventing elder abuse.
According to the World Health Organization, one in six people over the age of 60 are victims of elder abuse. You can take a stand against elder abuse by knowing the factors that contribute to it, recognizing the warning signs, learning how to respond safely and knowing where to refer in the community to find help.
The Town recognizes World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in partnership with The Foothills Elder Abuse Coordinated Community Response, a network of local organizations working together to prevent and address elder abuse in the community.
Find resources and more information to grow the conversation around elder abuse at foothillselderabuse.ca.
