June 14, 2022
Manitoba Government Proclaims Day to Raise Awareness of Elder Abuse, Invests Additional $31,000 in Programs, Safe Accommodations
– – –World Elder Abuse Awareness Day Proclamation and Funding to Make Meaningful and Lasting Difference: Johnston
The Manitoba government is proclaiming June 15, 2022, as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Manitoba and increasing investment to two community organizations that focus on elder abuse prevention and victim support services, Seniors and Long-Term Care Minister Scott Johnston announced today.
“Supporting older Manitobans and raising awareness through public education and providing support to reduce elder abuse in our province is critical,” said Johnston. “Our government is strongly committed to supporting organizations that help keep older Manitobans safe, protected and treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Two organizations providing services to prevent and respond to elder abuse are being provided additional funding:
- A & O: Support Services for Older Adults’ Safe Suite Program and the Elder Abuse Prevention Programs will receive $21,000. A & O provides temporary housing for men, women and couples aged 55 or older who need a safe place to stay due to abuse or neglect or whose needs cannot be effectively met by existing abuse or crisis services.
- Good Neighbours Active Living Centre’s Prevent Elder Abuse Manitoba (PEAM) will receive $10,000. PEAM is a provincial network of service providers and older adults that works to increase awareness and support communities, organizations and individuals with information and education to prevent the abuse of older Manitobans.
“The agency recognizes that this funding is a step in the right direction toward supporting older Manitobans experiencing abuse,” said Amanda Macrae, CEO, A & O: Support Services for Older Adults. “Due to population aging, the need to provide specialized services is more important than ever before to support older people in aging well in their communities.”
“Numerous communities and organizations across Manitoba have registered events this year to raise awareness about abuse of older adults,” said Susan Sader, executive director, Good Neighbours Active Living Centre. “Increasing awareness and ensuring people know where to go to receive support is an important part of supporting older adults who may be experiencing abuse.”
Family members or anyone with concerns about an older person at risk of abuse to contact the A & O Intake Line at 204-956-6440 or visit https://aosupportservices.ca/, noted Johnston. The intake line connects callers with supports, which include counselling, referrals to appropriate community resources, support groups, help finding safe temporary accommodations, legal services including protection orders, information and education.
Elder abuse is any action or inaction by a person in a relationship of trust that jeopardizes the health or well-being of an older person. Forms of elder abuse include physical, sexual, emotional, psychological financial and neglect.
Visit www.weaadmanitoba.ca to view resources and events in communities across the province.
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