World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the verbal and emotional abuse of older persons, says Community Services, Seniors and Labour Minister Janice Sherry.
“The abuse of older persons is very much a hidden problem that is rarely spoken of and generally under reported on Prince Edward Island,” said Minister Sherry. “Abuse frequently occurs behind closed doors, often in the privacy of Island homes, and that is why it is essential for all of us to work together to bring more public awareness to this issue.”
Minister Sherry is inviting the public to attend the Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day event taking place in Montague on Wednesday, June 15 at 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hall on Wood Islands Road. The event will include information booths, a question-and-answer session with a community panel, refreshments and much more.
This year’s theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is understanding the emotional and verbal abuse of older adults.
“Understanding, taking action and, most importantly, preventing the abuse of older adults in our Island communities is a responsibility that we can all share,” said Minister Sherry. “I encourage everyone to attend Wednesday’s event and for those who attend to share the knowledge they gain about understanding abuse of older persons with their friends and family.”
Prince Edward Island’s first celebration of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was held in 2006.
For more information about the international event visit www.gov.pe.ca/infopei and search World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.