Ministry of Health
VICTORIA – The newly established multi-sector Council to Reduce Elder Abuse held its inaugural meeting on Dec. 13, marking a key commitment in the provincial strategy to reduce elder abuse, Health Minister Terry Lake announced recently.
"We know that achieving our ultimate goal of reducing the incidence of elder abuse requires a foundation of strong collaboration and co-ordination," said Lake. "Establishing councils like this help to bring abuse out of the shadows by raising awareness and generating solutions for all British Columbians to protect those that helped build this province.”
The multi-sector council was established to facilitate the actions set out in the provincial plan Together to Reduce Elder Abuse – B.C.'s Strategy as well as leverage resources between sectors, organizations, communities and individuals to better recognize, respond to and prevent abuse.
Supported by a central coordinating office in the Ministry of Health Seniors' Directorate, the council held its first meeting in Vancouver to begin the development of their work plan for 2014. The skills represented on the council include expertise from the financial, health care, public safety and community outreach sectors, as well as a variety of diverse communities and most importantly seniors themselves.
Elder abuse can take various forms including physical, emotional, financial and sexual abuse and is often under reported. If you suspect a senior is being abused, are a senior who is experiencing abuse or are seeking information about elder abuse, call the Seniors Abuse and Information Line at 604 437-7940 or toll free at 1 866 437-1940.