The Ontario Provincial Police would like to take the opportunity to spread awareness and share resources in support of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which takes place on Monday, June 15, 2020.

The OPP recognizes the importance of promoting seniors' safety in the community, by enhancing the public's awareness of safety and security issues. It is important that seniors receive information and resources to better protect themselves from becoming victims of crime.

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day focuses on raising awareness of elder abuse to ensure we can all grow old feeling safe, valued and respected. Abuse can occur anywhere, including in your own home, home of the caregiver, long-term care homes, retirement homes, assisted living facilities and hospitals. Elder abuse refers to the violence, mistreatment or neglect that older adults may experience at the hands of their spouses, children, other family members, caregivers, service providers or other individuals in positions of power or trust.

Together, we can put an end to the physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and financial abuse of elders. The following are local resources that may provide assistance to aging residents within our communities:

• 211Ontario can help you navigate through a network of social services quickly and easily. Visit 211ontario.ca or call 2-1-1.
• Contact Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario, visit http://www.eapon.ca/ or call the Seniors Safety Line at 1-866-299-1011. The Seniors Safety Line provides contact and referral information for local agencies in your neighbourhood that can assist in elder abuse cases.
• Canadian Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, visit https://cnpea.ca/en/.

If you or someone you know has been abused or is experiencing abuse, you are not alone. Help is available. Please call the OPP non-emergency line at 1-888-310-1122, Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or in the case of an emergency, dial 9-1-1.

source: media release, OPP