Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Ten days from now, June 15th, is Elder Abuse Awareness Day, and I’m wearing purple today to again highlight and bring awareness to the problem of elder abuse.
Elders make a difference in our communities every day. They are deeply involved in our communities, and their contributions, big and small, benefit NWT residents of all ages. Elder abuse, though, is a significant threat to the older residents of the NWT in both small communities and larger centres. In the last 30 years or so, elder abuse has become an increasingly important issue and is now seen as a public problem that needs attention.
The NWT is celebrating Senior Citizens Month for the first time this year and we’re the first jurisdiction in Canada to set aside a whole month, this month of June, to recognize and spend time with older adults.
Just a reminder, elder abuse is defined as any kind of physical, sexual, psychological or economic abuse as well as neglect. Perhaps surprisingly, male elders are at almost the same risk for abuse as female elders. Elders are taken advantage of because they are physically frail or have diminished capacity. Family members often extort money from their elders or force them to sign over property. Elders, unfortunately, are an easy target.
Mr. Speaker, elder abuse does not discriminate. It happens in institutions as well as private homes and to elders of all ages.
Our elders should be respected and honoured. They hold the wisdom, the history and traditional knowledge of our communities and our territory. We must not ignore elder abuse, and understanding it gives us the power to fight it.
Society has to recognize that elder abuse and neglect is occurring and raise awareness of the problem. We must inform health and social services practitioners and the general public about elder abuse. We all must know how to identify the signs of elder abuse and know where to find the help to combat it.
We need to use the media to change attitudes and reduce stereotyping of the elderly. We need to educate our elders, as well, to help them fight back.
All of these actions bring the problem of elder abuse out into the open and encourage acknowledgement that it is a problem and let’s start to eradicate it.
So to all my colleagues, on Sunday, June 15th, wear purple as you did on Monday. Find an elder, show them the respect they deserve and let them know you care. Thank you, Mr. Speaker.
Thank you, Ms. Bisaro. The honourable Member for Range Lake, Mr. Dolynny.
