To show support, wear something purple and join the short walk through downtown streets on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day that starts at noon Wednesday at City Hall.
The event, presented by the Prince George Community Response Network and the Prince George Council of Seniors, will see people trying to raise awareness of the many types of abuse that an increasing number of seniors may experience, including deliberate mistreatment that causes physical, mental or emotional or financial harm.
Many people who suspect elder abuse don't know how to approach the situation or where to report incidents that may raise suspicion.
There are two designated agencies in Prince George that are legally required to investigate reported incidents of potential abuse and neglect, including Northern Health Adult Protection and Consultation line 250-565-7414 and Community Living BC at 250-645-4065.
"We'd like to raise the profile of this issue that's not only in Canada but throughout the world," said Tim Rowe, regional mentor in the Northern Interior Region of the B.C. Community Response Network. "Elder abuse is taking place on a basis that is not acceptable to our society. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an opportunity to promote awareness, share information and recognize that this is a big issue for the elderly population and that collectively we all have a responsibility to be aware and understand what steps we might wish to take to help a situation where we think abuse or neglect of a senior is taking place."
The first step is to not assume there is abuse or neglect and recognize this is a very sensitive issue to deal with in all situations.
"Just breaking that isolation, asking the person 'how are you and is there anything I can do to help' and opening the door to the conversation is important," said Rowe.
Some seniors will consider the situation embarrassing and so terrible they simply don't want to talk about it. A particularly delicate component comes in to play when a senior experiences financial abuse because it's usually from one of their own family members, added Rowe.
"The Community Response Network in Prince George offers learning opportunities so people understand what is abuse and neglect and how we as individuals can help," said Rowe.
For more information about elder abuse visit www.bccrns.ca or e-mail adultprotection@northernhealth.ca.
