Minister of Health Terry Lake issued the following statement in recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15:

"Every senior deserves to age with dignity and to feel appreciated and respected in their communities. In recognition of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, I encourage all British Columbians to wear purple and join with communities across the world to raise awareness and share strategies that support and protect seniors.

"Elder abuse is everyone's business, and British Columbians must be informed about how they can take action to prevent and reduce elder abuse in our society. Elder abuse can take various forms including physical, emotional, financial and sexual, and is often under-reported and very difficult to detect.

"We know that achieving our ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of elder abuse in our communities requires a foundation of strong collaboration and co-ordination.

"As part of our Families Agenda, we have developed polices that ensure families are protected and feel safe. Together to Reduce Elder Abuse - B.C.'s Strategy works at ensuring seniors, their families and their caregivers have access to information, networks and tools to better recognize, address and respond to abuse.

"This strategy is one of the key deliverables in our seniors action plan. For more information on the seniors action plan and the strategy to reduce elder abuse please visit: www.seniorsbc.ca

"If you suspect a senior is being abused, are a senior who is experiencing abuse or are seeking information about elder abuse, please call the Seniors Abuse Information Line at 604 437-1940 or toll free at 1-866 437-1940."

Media contact:

Ryan Jabs
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)