The Office of the Seniors Advocate recognizes seniors can be more vulnerable to abuse due to frailty and dependence on others.
While most seniors will not experience abuse, many do, and it often goes unreported.
“I ask all British Columbians to take the time to look more closely at the seniors in your lives,” Isobel Mackenzie, BC Seniors Advocate, said.
“If you are concerned they are being abused financially, physically or emotionally, report your concerns to your local health authority, which is the agency designated to investigate the abuse. If you are uncertain how to contact them, call 2-1-1 and they will assist you.”
According to a 2021 systemic review conducted by the Office of the Seniors Advocate, reports of abuse and neglect of people 65 and over have increased significantly in the last five years.
- 49 per cent increase in report of abuse, neglect, and self-neglect to health authorities (and designated agencies)
- 69 per cent increase in reports of victims of violent crime to the RCMP
- 87 per cent increase in reports of physical abuse to the Vancouver Police
- 49 per cent increase of financial abuse to the Vancouver Police
“It will take the eyes and ears of all of us to stamp out elder abuse and let seniors live in safety,” Mackenzie said.
The Office of the Seniors Advocate is an independent office of the provincial government with a mandate of monitoring seniors’ services and reporting on systemic issues affecting seniors.
The office also provides information and referral to seniors and their caregivers by calling toll-free 1 877 952-3181, BC211 or email [email protected], Canada Post and the OSA web site https://www.seniorsadvocatebc.ca/.
