Downtown rally to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
This news release is sent on behalf of Carya, in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
On Monday, June 15, 2015, a public rally will be held in the Municipal Plaza, outside City Hall, to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. The rally will raise awareness of and educate the public on the issue which statistically affects 9,000 seniors in Calgary.
The Mayor has given the day an official proclamation and the Calgary Tower will be lit purple to mark it.
Elder Abuse is defined as any action or inaction by a person in a position of trust that causes harm to an older person. This includes emotional, physical, sexual or financial abuse as well as instances of neglect and violation of rights.
Calgary’s community response includes the city’s Elder Abuse Response Team and Resource Line (403-705-3250), established in 2011 as a collaboration between Carya, The Kerby Centre and Calgary Police Service.
In 2014, the Resource Line received more than 2,000 calls related to Elder Abuse.
Elizabeth DesCamp, Director of Older Adult Programs at Carya, a Calgary social services agency, believes the national statistics on the problem could fall short of the reality:
“We believe as much as 80% of Elder Abuse in Canada goes undetected and we also know that the number of incidents we’ve reported since founding the Elder Abuse Response Team have been above reported national statistics. It’s a huge concern and we need people in Calgary to be aware of the issue and what they can do about it.”
Carya has developed Canada’s first online Elder Abuse Awareness training programs for both professionals and the general public. These can be found by clicking here.
Calgary’s Deputy Mayor Ray Jones will add his voice to the rally. He said: “Seniors make important contributions every day in keeping our city strong and vital so it's only right to ensure that we are all doing our part in keeping our seniors strong and safe.”
This will be Calgary’s first Elder Abuse Awareness Rally and is a collaboration between Carya, The City of Calgary, The Kerby Centre, The Calgary Police Service, Calgary Seniors’ Resource Society, Calgary Chinese Elderly Citizens Association, Jewish Family Services and Immigrant Services Calgary.
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day happens every year on June 15th and was officially recognized by the United Nations in 2011.
For more information, please visit caryacalgary.ca or click here for event details.
Event Agenda:
- The Rally will take place between 12:00 noon and 2:00 p.m.
- Purple ‘Stop Elder Abuse’ tee shirts will be worn by all in attendance and available to the public.
- Deputy Mayor Ray Jones will say a few words at 12:10 p.m. sharp.
Interview opportunities with experts in issues affecting seniors in Calgary will be available upon request.
Media Contact:
Sharon Crowther
587-585-5504