Prince George, B.C. – Today is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a day set aside to bring attention to the significance of the abuse of elderly citizens.

World Elder Abuse Day is being marked by the Prince George Community Response Network, the City of Prince George and agencies for the prevention of elder abuse around the world.  As clearly set out by the Prince George Council of Seniors, elder abuse is any action by a person in a position of trust that causes and older adult physical, emotional or mental harm.  And it extends in real terms to financial abuse as well.

The Council states that, while child abuse and spousal violence finally started drawing public attention as the last century drew to a close, abuse of the elderly remained tucked away as an unspoken problem.  The Council maintains that only one in five cases actually receives attention from the authorities.

Elderly abuse has no limitations and can happen to men and women, no matter what age, cultural or economic background.  And many adults are ashamed or afraid to talk about it.

The Seniors’ Council says the problem will only get worse with the number of people worldwide over the age of 60 expected to double by 2025.

The B.C. Association of Community Response Networks can provide more information on the prevention of abuse and neglect of elderly persons at www.bccrns.ca