Open Letter to Our Senators

Honorable Senators;

Today on June 15, people worldwide will join together to recognize the second annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day was first declared last year by the World Health Organization and the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse. It is an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse of older adults as a means to prevent and combat all types of elder abuse.

June 15, 2007, marks the second annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. Elder abuse can be physical, emotional, verbal or financial in form. Neglect can also be considered a form of abuse. Many seniors do not report abuse, or feel isolated and afraid to speak out. As a result, the problem of elder abuse remains largely hidden behind closed doors.

We must find ways to show our seniors that elder abuse exists, that it is not tolerated, and that there is help available in our communities to cope. This includes finding ways not only to help victims, but to prevent abuse before it happens.

Honourable Senators, we need to work together to stand up for those who have helped build this country to make it what it is today.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day offers the opportunity to change attitudes and behaviours when it comes to the abuse of older adults.

I ask that all Honourable Senators work to help our Government reach out to our seniors' communities so that we can break down the wall of silence and show older people that elder abuse exists, that it is not tolerated, and that there is help available in our communities.