In June, communities around the province are promoting the annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and the local Community Response Networks (CRNs) are offering educational activities for their communities.
The local Community Response Network is hosting an open house June 11 from 1 to 2:30 in the lower Native Sons Hall. It is called Stop the Tide, meaning agencies have grouped together to stop the abuse of adults and seniors. More than 12 agencies or groups will have booths showing what they are doing to help individuals who experience abuse.
“According to Ministry of Health documents, between four and 10 per cent of seniors will experience some form of physical, emotional, financial or sexual abuse” and that “abuse of seniors is significantly underreported,” notes CRN co-ordinator Jennifer Pass.
The local CRN has over 50 groups and individuals who have become members. The agencies include: SOS (Support Our Seniors) Comox Valley, the Transition Society, the Multicultural Society, the RCMP, RCMP Victim Services, Senior Peer Counselling, Hospice, Wachiay Friendship Centre, LUSH Valley, the Social Planning Society, the Comox Bay Care Society-Care-A-Van, Dawn-to-Dawn Society, Evergreen Seniors, the Justice Institute, L’Arche, VIHA, Salvation Army, VIHA, local clergy, Credit Union and municipal recreation centres.
The SOS group had a project for a year called Oars for the Lifeboat, which was dealing with abuse of seniors. The focus was on abuse at home, in the community, in care and in the government systems.
There will be no charge for the open house and there will be light refreshments. For more, call 250-338-6265, 250-334-2321 or 250-339-4167.
— Community Response Networks